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PACKING A PUNCH
We have witnessed shocks galore throughout Christmas, the Dublin Racing Festival, Cheltenham and even at Aintree earlier this month.
And now Punchestown will get its chance to shine with a host of Grade 1 races set to take place on the famous Co Kildare track.
With that in mind, LiveScore Bet has you covered for the festival with some amazing offers. (T&Cs and deposit exclusions apply. Bet Responsibly. GamblingCare.ie. 18+)
1.
All eyes will be on Poniros to see if he can back up his sensational jumps debut at Cheltenham last month, when he won at odds of 100/1.
Owned by Premier League club-owner Tony Bloom, Poniros will likely begin at shorter odds in the Ballymore Hurdle.
Lulamba, who he pipped to the post, will likely provide his biggest challenge.
The Nicky Henderson star has impressed in each of his two outings so far, and won at Ascot as recently as January.
His two wins from three in hurdles could give him the edge.
Hello Neighbour was well beaten by Poniros and Lulamba at Cheltenham, but only after that Gavin Cromwell star made a mistake one from home.
He looked good before that and even led with three to go — do not discount him for this race.
5.
After winning the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham last month, Bob Olinger is the one to beat.
The Henry De Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore double-act got the better of favourite Teahupoo on that occasion — and did so emphatically.
The 10-year-old has also been in good form this term, finishing no lower than second in each of his four outings.
Teahupoo, naturally, should not be discounted either, and has the class to show why he is so highly-rated as a stayer.
Home by The Lee, who won in Navan and Leopardstown before Christmas, will also be in contention despite his recent struggles — he unseated his rider at Cheltenham and pulled up at Aintree earlier this month.
4.
The Champion Chase looks set to be a thriller between Cheltenham winners Fact To File and Marine Nationale.
Fact to File was an impressive winner of the Ryanair Chase and comes into the renewal of the Champion Chase at Punchestown with a win at the Co Kildare track earlier this season.
The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old also came third in the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival.
But he faces a Marine Nationale who won the Queen Mother Champion Chase — defeating red-hot favourite Jonbon in the process.
The Barry Connell-trained and owned star will be hard-stopped if he repeats his Cheltenham form. Gaelic Warrior is also one to watch.
hoof
to hoof
3.
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After his shock falls at Cheltenham and Aintree, Constitution Hill will be keen to prove he still has what it takes to shine on the biggest days.
The Nicky Henderson-trained superstar is undoubtedly one of the best to ever grace the track, but recent showings have dented confidence in his ability.
But Constitution Hill may well return to winning ways this week, should he clear every hurdle.
If not, it will open the door for State Man, who was set to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last month after Constitution Hill’s fall, before falling himself.
Lossiemouth may also appear here and will be a contender. Brighterdaysahead and Golden Ace — winner at Cheltenham last month — will also be in the mix.
Champion Chase
An uphill battle
Champion Hurdle
here
to stay
Stayers Hurdle
one giant leap
Ballymore Champion
four-year-old hurdle
Ipswich Town v Liverpool
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After relinquishing his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown last month, Galopin Des Champs can return to winning ways this week by claiming the Punchestown Gold Cup.
However, it remains to be seen if he will take to the track in this one, given the physical exertions placed on him in recent times.
Gavin Cromwell’s Inothewayurthinkin bested Galopin Des Champs last month, but will not line out here as he rests and recovers with a view to next season.
His omission could see the likes of Monty’s Star and Gentlemansgame come into play. The ground, which is likely to run fast, may also play into their hands.
GALOPIN
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Galopin Des Champs
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David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Punchestown Gold Cup
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Seb Daly/Sportsfile
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HORSE RACING
On a selected race every day at Punchestown
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HORSE RACING
On a selected race every day at Punchestown