Sunday 14th November PUNCHESTOWN 12.00 pigsback.com RISK OF THUNDER CHASE 3m (4830 Metres) RACE 1 (4) NEVERUSHACON (IRE) | (3) CALL IT MAGIC (IRE) | (8) BALLYBOKER BRIDGE (IRE) 12.30 LIAM & VALERIE BRENNAN FLORIDA PEARL NOVICE CHASE (Grade 2) 2¾m140y (4550 Metres) RACE 2 (4) SIXSHOOTER (IRE) | (5) VANILLIER (FR) | (3) RUN WILD FRED (IRE) 1.00 RYANS CLEANING HANDICAP CHASE 2¾m140y (4550 Metres) RACE 3 (1) ALFA MIX | (6) FULLY CHARGED | (2) PORT STANLEY (IRE) 1.30 FRONTLINE SECURITY GRABEL MARES HURDLE (Listed) 2¼m20y (3640 Metres) RACE 4 (5) HEAVEN HELP US (IRE) | (1) TELMESOMETHINGGIRL (IRE) | (2) GAULOISE (FR) 2.05 UNIBET MORGIANA HURDLE (Grade 1) 2m40y (3260 Metres) RACE 5 (3) SHARJAH (FR) | (5) ECHOES IN RAIN (FR) | (1) ABACADABRAS (FR) 2.40 I.N.H. STALLION OWNERS EUROPEAN BREEDERS FUND MAIDEN HURDLE 2m5f80y (4300 Metres) RACE 6 (5) MR FRED ROGERS (IRE) | (7) SHANTREUSSE (IRE) | (4) GLEN WYLLIN (IRE) 3.15 PERTEMPS NETWORK GROUP HANDICAP HURDLE (Qualifier) 2m7f190y (4800 Metres) RACE 7 (21) LORD GILLYGOOLEY (IRE) | (11) WHATUCALLHER (IRE) | (10) MARS HARPER 3.50 IRISH MIRROR (Pro/Am) I.N.H. FLAT 2m40y (3260 Metres) RACE 8 (3) COOL SURVIVOR (IRE) | (1) SMOOTH PLAYER (IRE) | (2) THE BIG DOYEN (IRE) page 1 of 10 RACING 1-2-3 KEY TO SYMBOLS Top Rated: The horse with the best chance based solely on past form, specially tailored to a 0-100 scale. Horses For Courses: A suitable track for the horse, compared to its lifetime record on similar courses as defined by Timeform’s course data. Jockey Uplift: The engaged rider has a notably higher Timeform Jockey Ranking than those who’ve ridden the horse on its most recent starts Trainer Form: A hot trainer to follow, based on Timeform ratings-related measurements looking at the recent performance of runners.
Transcript
Sunday 14th November
PUNCHESTOWN12.00 pigsback.com RISK OF THUNDER CHASE 3m (4830 Metres)
RACE 8 (3) COOL SURVIVOR (IRE) | (1) SMOOTH PLAYER (IRE) | (2) THE BIG DOYEN (IRE)
page 1 of 10
RACING 1-2-3
KEY TO SYMBOLS
Top Rated: The horse with the best chance based solely on past form, specially tailored to a 0-100 scale.
Horses For Courses: A suitable track for the horse, compared to its lifetime record on similar courses as defined by Timeform’s course data.
Jockey Uplift: The engaged rider has a notably higher Timeform Jockey Ranking than those who’ve ridden the horse on its most recent starts
Trainer Form: A hot trainer to follow, based on Timeform ratings-related measurements looking at the recent performance of runners.
Going: Good to Yielding, Cross-Counrty course: Good (Good to Yielding in places)
A right-handed, galloping, undulating track with a steady climb through the last five furlongs. It is a very fair test of a jumper; there are eleven fences to a circuit which are not stiff by British standards and they pose few problems to sound jumpers. The cross-country course is a long and twisting one over a variety of banks and other obstacles, few of which are jumped more than once. The turns are both left- and right-handed and only the final brush fence is on the racecourse proper.
Pace Information: Even
1 MIDNIGHT MAESTRO (200) 924/061PF1-4 9 12-2 | 77.1kg Enda Bolger, Ireland M. P. Walsh Useful chaser. Latest win in chase at Limerick in March. 28/1, creditable fourth of 24 in handicap chase at this course (20f, good to soft). Off 6 months but still in the mix.
2 SHADY OPERATOR (IRE) (53) (C) s 92651F-1609 8 12-2 | 77.1kg Enda Bolger, Ireland Mr D. O’Connor Useful chaser, latest win at Killarney in May. Below form ninth of 18 in handicap chase at Listowel (24f, good to soft) 53 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time, so this course winner needs considering.
3 CALL IT MAGIC (IRE) (197) (C) b 929P/945-P1 11 11-11 | 74.8kg Ross O’Sullivan, Ireland Keith Donoghue Useful chaser who improved to win 13-runner minor event chase at this course (25f, good to firm) by ½ length from Ballyboker Bridge. Much respected on his return.
4 NEVERUSHACON (IRE) (197) (CD) s+t 10018/1P0P4-U 10 11-11 | 74.8kg Mrs J. Harrington, Ireland S. F. O’Keeffe Useful chaser, latest win over C&D 12 months ago. Arrives on back of recent run on Flat, and looks the one to beat on form.
5 ROBIN DES FORET (IRE) (21) t 9341P-55803 11 11-11 | 74.8kg John McConnell, Ireland Mr B. W. Harvey (7lb/3kg) Useful chaser. Creditable third of 7 in handicap chase (18/1) at Aintree (25f, good) 21 days ago. Considered.
6 ROLLING REVENGE (IRE) (24) (C) t 638-6P78953 12 11-11 | 74.8kg Thomas Coyle, Ireland A. W. Short Modest chaser. Very good third of 16 in handicap chase (18/1) at Thurles (18f, good) 24 days ago, faring best of those held up. This is a tough ask, though.
7 SUPER CITIZEN (23) 7919-F00746 7 11-11 | 74.8kg Eugene M. O’Sullivan, Ireland Mr Alan O’Sullivan (7lb/3kg) Fair chaser. Respectable sixth of 17 in handicap chase at Cheltenham (25f, good to firm, 18/1) 23 days ago. Faces a stiff task at these weights, however.
8 BALLYBOKER BRIDGE (IRE) (197) (CD) s 9713P2/2P-S2 14 11-6 | 72.6kg Peter Maher, Ireland D. J. McInerney Useful chaser. Creditable second of 13 to Call It Magic in minor event chase (22/1) at this course (25f, good to firm), running on. Off 6 months but C&D winner enters calculations.
9 BLAST OF KOEMAN (IRE) (197) t 90895322-6P 10 11-6 | 72.6kg Peter Maher, Ireland J. J. Slevin Temperamental sort. 11/4, pulled up in minor chase at this course (25f, good to firm) 6 months ago. Tongue strap refitted and needs to bounce back on his reappearance.
10 DASMYHOSS (IRE) (51) 690000760P 8 11-6 | 72.6kg P. J. Rothwell, Ireland J. P. O’Sullivan (5lb/2kg) Twenty nine runs since last win in 2019. 33/1, pulled up in handicap hurdle at Listowel (24f, good) 51 days ago, so hard to enthuse over back in this sphere.
11 HURRICANE DARWIN (IRE) (32) (D) t 895/8U92-480 11 11-6 | 72.6kg Peter Maher, Ireland K. C. Sexton Fairly useful chaser. Seventeen runs since last win in 2017. Last of 10 in handicap hurdle at this course (20.4f, good to soft, 20/1) 32 days ago. Tongue strap back on. Hard to warm to.
12 KING’S SONG (FR) (58) (C, D) s+t 86860-P2535 11 11-6 | 72.6kg D. Broad, Ireland R. A. Doyle Fairly useful chaser. 250/1, tenth of 11 in minor event at the Curragh (12f, heavy) 19 days ago. Switches to chasing and this course winner is no forlorn hope.
13 MICHAEL’S PICK (IRE) (119) 82P07-5254P 7 11-6 | 72.6kg Ciaran Murphy, Ireland Conor Orr Fair chaser. Remains a maiden after 18 NH runs. 11/1, pulled up in handicap chase at Tipperary (22.7f, good to soft) 119 days ago. Since been pointing and others are preferred.
14 MR DIABLO (IRE) (184) (C) 89706/20P6-P 12 11-6 | 72.6kg J. P. Dempsey, Ireland Donagh Meyler Fairly useful chaser. Sixteen runs since last win in 2017. Pulled up in handicap chase at Kilbeggan (19.9f, good, 50/1). Off 6 months with something to prove.
15 NED STARK (IRE) (245) (D) 821408P3/PP- 13 11-6 | 72.6kg Mrs Sarah Dawson, Ireland C. D. Maxwell Temperamental sort. 50/1, pulled up in handicap chase at Limerick (24.6f, heavy) 8 months ago. Since runner-up in points but others remain more persuasive.
16 LOGGAN LADY (IRE) (966) 52 9 10-13 | 69.4kg P. J. Rothwell, Ireland Mr B. J. Walsh (7lb/3kg) Twice-raced maiden. Seventh of 10 in hunter chase at Downpatrick (23.4f, good, 50/1) over 2 years ago. In frame in points subsequently. More is needed back in this sphere.
16 DECLARED RUNNERS
BETTING FORECAST:11-2 Neverushacon, 6-1 Ballyboker Bridge, 13-2 Midnight Maestro, 13-2 Shady Operator, 17-2 Robin Des Foret, 17-2 Blast of Koeman, 10-1 Call It Magic, 28-1 Hurricane Darwin, 33-1 Mr Diablo, 33-1 Michael’s Pick, 50-1 bar
TIMEFORM VIEW:NEVERUSHACON rates the clear pick at these weights and can boast a C&D win too so he gets the nod after a recent spin on the level. Call It Magic signed off with a gutsy victory here in May and is next on the list on his reappearance, with Ballyboker Bridge another C&D scorer who figures high on the shortlist.
WINNERS IN PREVIOUS YEARS:2020 Neverushacon 9-11-11 2-1f Mrs J. Harrington P. D. Kennedy 17 2019 Yanworth 9-11-4 5-6f Enda Bolger M. P. Walsh 17 2018 My Hometown 8-11-4 9-2 Enda Bolger D. J. McInerney (3) 10 2017 Mtada Supreme 12-11-4 10-1 Peter Maher Mr B. O. Walsh (7) 12 2016 Cantlow 11-11-9 3-1f Enda Bolger M. P. Walsh 13
SMART STATS:7 Enda Bolger’s number of winners in past 10 runnings. (amongst 2 runners
saddles: MIDNIGHT MAESTRO)£18.00 J. P. Dempsey’s profit to a £1 level stake with only one runner on the card
(chases) (saddles: MR DIABLO)27% Mr B. J. Walsh’s strike rate when only having one ride at a meeting (chasers)
Going: Good to Yielding, Cross-Counrty course: Good (Good to Yielding in places)
A right-handed, galloping, undulating track with a steady climb through the last five furlongs. It is a very fair test of a jumper; there are eleven fences to a circuit which are not stiff by British standards and they pose few problems to sound jumpers. The cross-country course is a long and twisting one over a variety of banks and other obstacles, few of which are jumped more than once. The turns are both left- and right-handed and only the final brush fence is on the racecourse proper.
Pace Information: Weak
1 DEWCUP (IRE) (51) (C) t 3/11224-56 6 11-5 | 72.1kg T. M. Walsh, Ireland S. F. O’Keeffe Useful hurdler. 14/1, good eighth of 30 in handicap at the Curragh (16f, soft) 35 days ago. Makes chase debut. Significantly up in trip and this is a stiff assignment. Engaged 12.30 here Saturday.
Gordon Elliott, Ireland Davy Russell Useful chaser. 13/2, fell in Like A Butterfly Novices’ Chase at Tipperary (19.8f) 42 days ago won by Gin On Lime, too far out to suggest outcome. In top hands and remains capable of better.
3 RUN WILD FRED (IRE) (14) (C) b 993455222-2 7 11-5 | 72.1kg
Gordon Elliott, Ireland M. P. Walsh Smart chaser. Respectable 14 lengths second of 7 to Cape Gentleman in Gr 3 chase (9/1) at Cork (20f, heavy) 14 days ago. Bold bid expected.
4 SIXSHOOTER (IRE) (21) (C, D) 10042/13343-1 6 11-5 | 72.1kg Noel Meade, Ireland B. J. Cooper Promising individual. Career best when winning 11-runner novice chase at Galway (22.5f, heavy, 3/1) on debut over fences 21 days ago, impressively. Has to be taken seriously.
5 VANILLIER (FR) (16) t 9521201-43 6 11-5 | 72.1kg Gavin Patrick Cromwell, Ireland Keith Donoghue Smart hurdler. Smart winner at 24f over hurdles. Third of 11 in novice chase at Down Royal (19.6f, soft, 10/3) on debut over fences 16 days ago. Open to progress.
6 BALLYSHANNON ROSE (IRE) (24) (D) 945/111192-1 8 10-12 | 68.9kg P. G. Fahey, Ireland D. J. McInerney Career best when winning 8-runner novice chase at Thurles (20.6f, good, 15/2) on debut over fences 24 days ago, readily. Should have more to offer.
TIMEFORM VIEW:SIXSHOOTER made a seamless transition to chasing when an impressive winner at Galway 3 weeks ago and looks a good wager to get the better of likely favourite Vanillier.
TIMEFORM 1-2-3:1. SIXSHOOTER (IRE) 2. VANILLIER (FR) 3. RUN WILD FRED (IRE)
WINNERS IN PREVIOUS YEARS:2020 Pencilfulloflead 6-11-5 11-2 Gordon Elliott Rachael Blackmore 7 2019 Battleoverdoyen 6-11-3 2-5f Gordon Elliott Davy Russell 7 2018 Some Neck 7-11-3 7-1 W. P. Mullins D. J. Mullins 6 2017 Jury Duty 6-11-3 6-1 Gordon Elliott Robbie Power 5 2016 A Toi Phil 6-11-3 3-1 Gordon Elliott R. Walsh 6
SMART STATS:4 Gordon Elliott’s number of winners in past 10 runnings. (amongst 2 runners
Going: Good to Yielding, Cross-Counrty course: Good (Good to Yielding in places)
A right-handed, galloping, undulating track with a steady climb through the last five furlongs. It is a very fair test of a jumper; there are eleven fences to a circuit which are not stiff by British standards and they pose few problems to sound jumpers. The cross-country course is a long and twisting one over a variety of banks and other obstacles, few of which are jumped more than once. The turns are both left- and right-handed and only the final brush fence is on the racecourse proper.
Pace Information: Even
1 ALFA MIX (21) 1005127/443-4 6 11-12 | 75.3kg Gavin Patrick Cromwell, Ireland M. P. Walsh 11/1, excellent fourth of 11 in novice chase at Galway (22.5f, heavy) 21 days ago. Makes handicap chase debut. Has good chance on form.
2 PORT STANLEY (IRE) (36) (BF) b 9932202-3F2 7 11-11 | 74.8kg Mrs J. Harrington, Ireland S. F. O’Keeffe 15/8, respectable second of 10 in novice chase at Fairyhouse (21f, good) 36 days ago. Blinkers replace cheekpieces.
3 WESTERN RUN (IRE) (36) (D) 9860-052UF3 6 11-11 | 74.8kg Gavin Patrick Cromwell, Ireland Keith Donoghue Below form third of 10 in novice chase (4/1) at Fairyhouse (21f, good) 36 days ago. Makes handicap chase debut.
4 QUAMINO (GER) (323) t 97598/14P50- 8 11-10 | 74.4kg Paul Nolan, Ireland B. J. Cooper 14/1, creditable ninth of 15 in handicap at Thurles (16f, good to soft) 38 days ago. Switches from Flat to chase. Significantly up in trip. Useful chaser.
5 BATCIO (FR) (50) 956/933-1610 9 11-9 | 73.9kg
T. M. Walsh, Ireland Davy Russell Two wins from 4 runs this season. Thirteenth of 16 in handicap hurdle (11/2) at Listowel (20f, good) 50 days ago. Switches from hurdles to chase. Booking of Russell a plus. Has work to do.
6 FULLY CHARGED (43) b 99534U25-21 7 11-7 | 73.0kg Henry de Bromhead, Ireland H. Morgan (3lb/1kg) 7/2 and blinkered for 1st time, career best when winning 5-runner novice chase at Gowran (20f, good) 43 days ago. Can make presence felt back in a handicap.
7 LORD LARIAT (IRE) (36) s+t 98212-5F972 6 11-3 | 71.2kg Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, Ireland Patrick O’Hanlon (7lb/3kg) Cheekpieces on for first time, very good second of 13 in handicap chase (9/2) at Fairyhouse (23.7f, good) 36 days ago, collared close home. Up 3 lb but can remain competitive.
8 NOBODY HOME (IRE) (36) (C) 952/314P-984 11 10-7 | 66.7kg Edward Cawley, Ireland J. J. Slevin Creditable fourth of 13 in handicap chase at Fairyhouse (23.7f, good, 28/1) 36 days ago.
9 CLASSIC CONCORDE (IRE) (21) 973P228-PF2 8 10-3 | 64.9kg Andrew McNamara, Ireland A. W. Short Good second of 13 in handicap chase (18/1) at Galway (22.5f, heavy) 21 days ago. That wasn’t a particularly deep race.
9 DECLARED RUNNERS
BETTING FORECAST:11-4 Fully Charged, 4-1 Alfa Mix, 6-1 Port Stanley, 13-2 Lord Lariat, 12-1 Classic Concorde, 12-1 Batcio, 18-1 Western Run, 18-1 Nobody Home, 28-1 Quamino
TIMEFORM VIEW:ALFA MIX ran to a level more in-keeping with his hurdles form when fourth at Galway 3 weeks ago and the assessor has given him a big chance. Fully Charged and Port Stanley head the opposition.
TIMEFORM 1-2-3:1. ALFA MIX 2. FULLY CHARGED 3. PORT STANLEY (IRE)
WINNERS IN PREVIOUS YEARS:2020 Chavi Artist 7-10-13 7-1 Thomas Mullins Jack Foley (7) 16 2019 Freewheelin Dylan 7-11-5 7-1 Dermot Anthony McLoughlin R. A. Doyle (3) 11 2018 Mighty Stowaway 7-11-0 13-2 John Joseph Hanlon Rachael Blackmore 13 2017 Coeur Joyeux 6-10-2 15-2 J. P. Dempsey L. P. Dempsey 11 2016 Rogue Trader 7-11-7 6-1 Tom J. Taaffe Robbie Power 13
SMART STATS:No Smart Stats available for this race
Going: Good to Yielding, Cross-Counrty course: Good (Good to Yielding in places)
A right-handed, galloping, undulating track with a steady climb through the last five furlongs. It is a very fair test of a jumper; there are eleven fences to a circuit which are not stiff by British standards and they pose few problems to sound jumpers. The cross-country course is a long and twisting one over a variety of banks and other obstacles, few of which are jumped more than once. The turns are both left- and right-handed and only the final brush fence is on the racecourse proper.
Pace Information: Even
1 TELMESOMETHINGGIRL (IRE) (200) 900/131131-5 6 11-11 | 74.8kg Henry de Bromhead, Ireland Rachael Blackmore Found another chunk of improvement to win 15-runner Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham (16.8f) back in March but shaped like a non-stayer a month later. Respected on reappearance.
2 GAULOISE (FR) (199) (C) 951/11302-1 5 11-5 | 72.1kg W. P. Mullins, Ireland S. F. O’Keeffe Useful hurdler. 7/4, career best when winning 7-runner listed hurdle at this course (16.2f, good to soft) by 10 lengths from Global Equity, leading approaching last and going clear. Player on return.
3 WESTERN VICTORY (IRE) (44) (D) 93347-23121 8 11-5 | 72.1kg Declan Queally, Ireland D. L. Queally Useful hurdler. 2 wins from 5 runs this season. 11/4, career best when winning 9-runner listed mares event at Gowran (16f, good) 44 days ago by 10 lengths from Say Goodbye, unchallenged.
4 DYSART DIAMOND (IRE) (33) (BF) t 95100-02912 6 11-1 | 70.3kg W. P. Mullins, Ireland B. J. Cooper Useful hurdler. Latest win in hurdle at Listowel in September. 5/4, second of 3 in minor event hurdle at this course (18f, good) 33 days ago, going with enthusiasm. Should be in the mix.
5 HEAVEN HELP US (IRE) (199) (D) 1001754411-0 7 11-1 | 70.3kg Paul Hennessy, Ireland D. E. Mullins Smart hurdler who landed competitive handicap before bolting up in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham. Didn’t get home here in April but she’s the one to beat receiving weight from her main rivals here.
6 NO MEMORY (IRE) (35) 8971642-432 7 11-1 | 70.3kg William Coleman O’Brien, Ireland A. M. McCurtin Fairly useful hurdler. 6/1, career best when winning 17-runner handicap at Galway (11.8f, heavy) 20 days ago, keeping on well. Switches from Flat to hurdles and likely to find a few too good.
7 ROYAL KAHALA (IRE) (241) (BF) 932/511129- 6 11-1 | 70.3kg Peter Fahey, Ireland K. C. Sexton Decisive winner of first 2 hurdles starts and lost no caste in defeat when 2 lengths second to Roseys Hollow in a Fairyhouse Grade 3. Finished lame at Cheltenham in March so can bounce back on return.
8 LADY LINGO (IRE) (7) 80350-12164 6 10-11 | 68.5kg J. Hennessy, Ireland Donagh Meyler Fair hurdler. 2 wins from 5 runs this season. 100/1, 20 lengths fourth of 7 to My Mate Mozzie in For Auction Novices’ Hurdle at Navan (16f, good to soft) 7 days ago. Difficult ask.
9 THE GETAWAY STAR (IRE) (14) 883027-1214 6 10-11 | 68.5kg Declan Queally, Ireland J. J. Slevin Fairly useful hurdler. 4/1, creditable 6½ lengths fourth of 9 to Chicago Time in listed hurdle at Cork (24f, heavy) 14 days ago. Back down in trip. Up against it in this company.
9 DECLARED RUNNERS
BETTING FORECAST:4-1 Heaven Help Us, 9-2 Dysart Diamond, 5-1 Gauloise, 6-1 Telmesomethinggirl, 13-2 Western Victory, 8-1 Royal Kahala, 20-1 No Memory, 20-1 The Getaway Star, 100-1 bar
TIMEFORM VIEW:A few in with a shout but if HEAVEN HELP US is in anywhere near the same form as for her demolition job in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival then she should take plenty of stopping on reappearance. Another Cheltenham-scorer Telmesomethinggirl is conceding 10 lb to the selection but she’s feared most provided she’s ready to roll on return, ahead of Gauloise and Western Victory.
TIMEFORM 1-2-3:1. HEAVEN HELP US (IRE) 2. TELMESOMETHINGGIRL (IRE) 3. GAULOISE (FR)
WINNERS IN PREVIOUS YEARS:2020 Buildmeupbuttercup 6-11-5 3-1 W. P. Mullins P. Townend 5 2019 Stormy Ireland 5-11-3 1-3f W. P. Mullins P. Townend 5 2018 Stormy Ireland 4-11-0 5-4f W. P. Mullins R. Walsh 7 2017 Forge Meadow 5-11-9 12-1 Mrs J. Harrington Robbie Power 8 2016 Let’s Dance 4-10-6 4-6f W. P. Mullins R. Walsh 5
SMART STATS:6 W. P. Mullins’s number of winners in past 10 runnings. (amongst 2 runners
saddles: DYSART DIAMOND)22% W. P. Mullins’s strike rate at PUNCHESTOWN since the start of the 2016/17
season (saddles: DYSART DIAMOND and GAULOISE)£46.58 W. P. Mullins’s profit to a £1 level stake with hurdlers running after a break
Going: Good to Yielding, Cross-Counrty course: Good (Good to Yielding in places)
A right-handed, galloping, undulating track with a steady climb through the last five furlongs. It is a very fair test of a jumper; there are eleven fences to a circuit which are not stiff by British standards and they pose few problems to sound jumpers. The cross-country course is a long and twisting one over a variety of banks and other obstacles, few of which are jumped more than once. The turns are both left- and right-handed and only the final brush fence is on the racecourse proper.
Gordon Elliott, Ireland B. J. Cooper High-class hurdler. C&D winner. 14/1, respectable 13¾ lengths fourth of 8 to Honeysuckle in Punchestown Champion Hurdle at this course (16f, good to soft). Won this last season.
2 DARASSO (FR) (7) (D) b+t 910-1125821 8 11-12 | 75.3kg Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland M. P. Walsh Smart chaser. Career best when winning 5-runner Lismullen Hurdle at Navan (20f, good to soft, 4/1) 7 days ago by 6 lengths from Sire Du Berlais, forging clear. More needed again.
3 SHARJAH (FR) (198) (CD) t 1004162/132-2 8 11-12 | 75.3kg W. P. Mullins, Ireland Mr P. W. Mullins Won a third successive Matheson at Leopardstown in December. Best of the rest when second to Honeysuckle in Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and Puchestown. Won this in 2018 and set the standard.
Gordon Elliott, Ireland Davy Russell Smart hurdler. 8/13, career best when winning 5-runner WKD Hurdle at Down Royal (16.9f, soft) 16 days ago by 8 lengths from Cask Mate, keeping on well. This tougher but must be respected.
5 ECHOES IN RAIN (FR) (201) (CD) h 985/1411-1 5 11-5 | 72.1kg W. P. Mullins, Ireland S. F. O’Keeffe Smart hurdler. Didn’t need to be at best when winning 5-runner Champion Novices’ Hurdle at this course (16.4f, good to soft, 8/13) by 3¼ lengths. Off 6 months. Remains capable of better still.
TIMEFORM VIEW:SHARJAH looked better than ever when runner-up in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and Punchestown in the spring and has no Honeysuckle to deal with this time. His stablemate Echoes In Rain rates a high-class prospect and is the obvious threat ahead of last year’s winner Abacadabras.
WINNERS IN PREVIOUS YEARS:2020 Abacadabras 6-11-12 13-8 Gordon Elliott J. W. Kennedy 5 2019 Saldier 5-11-10 7-1 W. P. Mullins D. E. Mullins 5 2018 Sharjah 5-11-10 7-2 W. P. Mullins P. Townend 4 2017 Faugheen 9-11-10 4-11f W. P. Mullins P. Townend 4 2016 Nichols Canyon 6-11-10 8-13f W. P. Mullins R. Walsh 5
SMART STATS:9 W. P. Mullins’s number of winners in past 10 runnings. (amongst 2 runners
saddles: SHARJAH)22% W. P. Mullins’s strike rate at PUNCHESTOWN since the start of the 2016/17
season (saddles: SHARJAH and ECHOES IN RAIN)£46.58 W. P. Mullins’s profit to a £1 level stake with hurdlers running after a break
Going: Good to Yielding, Cross-Counrty course: Good (Good to Yielding in places)
A right-handed, galloping, undulating track with a steady climb through the last five furlongs. It is a very fair test of a jumper; there are eleven fences to a circuit which are not stiff by British standards and they pose few problems to sound jumpers. The cross-country course is a long and twisting one over a variety of banks and other obstacles, few of which are jumped more than once. The turns are both left- and right-handed and only the final brush fence is on the racecourse proper.
Pace Information: Weak
1 BARBARY MASTER (21) (BF) 981/38320-53 6 12-0 | 76.2kg Noel Meade, Ireland B. J. Cooper Fairly useful hurdler. Remains a maiden after 7 hurdle runs. Good third of 13 in novice hurdle at Galway (21.4f, heavy, 7/4) 21 days ago. Not taken lightly.
2 CARRIG ROCK (IRE) (212) 946/322- 6 12-0 | 76.2kg Peter Croke, Ireland Shane Fenelon (7lb/3kg) Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules. Bit below form second of 14 in novice hurdle at Ballinrobe (17.6f, good to soft, 2/1). Off 7 months. Up in trip. LIkely to be on the premises.
3 EAT THE BOOK (IRE) (81) 900/0P2-23 8 12-0 | 76.2kg David Peter Dunne, Ireland C. D. Maxwell Fair hurdler. 10/3, bit below form third of 9 in novice hurdle at Bellewstown (20.3f, good) 81 days ago. Needs to up his game.
4 GLEN WYLLIN (IRE) (199) t 951-3 6 12-0 | 76.2kg T. Gibney, Ireland J. P. O’Sullivan (5lb/2kg) Useful winner at 18f in bumpers. 14/1, third of 11 in bumper at this course (16.2f, good to soft). Off 6 months. Makes hurdles debut. Significantly up in trip. Should feature if taking to hurdling.
5 MR FRED ROGERS (IRE) (21) t 1001-2 5 12-0 | 76.2kg
Gordon Elliott, Ireland Davy Russell Promising type. 9/4, first run since leaving W. P. Murphy when second of 14 in novice hurdle at Wexford (16f, heavy) on hurdles bow 21 days ago. Leading claims.
6 REMEMBERGENTELJACK (IRE) (24) 7950 5 12-0 | 76.2kg P. G. Fahey, Ireland Mr A. P. Fahey (7lb/3kg) Twice-raced maiden. Eleventh of 14 in bumper (25/1) at Thurles (16f, good) 24 days ago. Makes hurdles debut. Significantly up in trip.
7 SHANTREUSSE (IRE) (227) 9921- 5 12-0 | 76.2kg Henry de Bromhead, Ireland Rachael Blackmore 7/4, won 12-runner bumper at Clonmel (16f, good to soft), readily. Has left Sam Curling and joined top stable subsequently, so he’s a big player on hurdling.
8 WHITE QUARRY ROSE (IRE) (21) 79046 5 11-7 | 73.0kg Kevin Michael Smith, Ireland Keith Donoghue Thrice-raced maiden. 25/1, sixth of 11 in bumper at Wexford (16f, heavy) 21 days ago. Makes hurdles debut. Significantly up in trip.
8 DECLARED RUNNERS
BETTING FORECAST:9-4 Mr Fred Rogers, 7-2 Shantreusse, 5-1 Barbary Master, 11-2 Glen Wyllin, 7-1 Carrig Rock, 25-1 Eat The Book, 80-1 bar
TIMEFORM VIEW:Having landed a bumper at Tipperary, MR FRED ROGERS made a positive start for Gordon Elliott when runner-up in a novice at Wexford on hurdling debut, so he’s preferred to Shantreusse, who looks an intriguing contender on his first outing for Henry de Bromhead. Glen Wyllin also merits consideration.
SMART STATS:£166.50 David Peter Dunne’s profit to a £1 level stake when having only one runner on
the card (hurdles) (saddles: EAT THE BOOK)29% Mr A. P. Fahey’s strike rate when riding a hurdle as their only ride at the
meeting (rides: REMEMBERGENTELJACK)
page 7 of 10PUNCHESTOWN Sunday 14th November
2.40 I.N.H. STALLION OWNERS EUROPEAN BREEDERS FUND MAIDEN HURDLE 4yo+ €14,000 2m5f80y (4300 Metres)
RACE 6
Going: Good to Yielding, Cross-Counrty course: Good (Good to Yielding in places)
A right-handed, galloping, undulating track with a steady climb through the last five furlongs. It is a very fair test of a jumper; there are eleven fences to a circuit which are not stiff by British standards and they pose few problems to sound jumpers. The cross-country course is a long and twisting one over a variety of banks and other obstacles, few of which are jumped more than once. The turns are both left- and right-handed and only the final brush fence is on the racecourse proper.
Pace Information: Very Strong
1 COMMANDER OF FLEET (IRE) (24) (C, D) b 94P/001-5 7 11-10 | 74.4kg
Gordon Elliott, Ireland H. Morgan (3lb/1kg) 7/2, fifth of 6 in minor event hurdle at Thurles (23f, good) 24 days ago. Stable having good spell. Blinkers on 1st time. Not easy to make a case for.
2 THE JAM MAN (IRE) (280) (D) 961429/P160- 8 11-8 | 73.5kg Ronan M. P. McNally, Ireland Donagh Meyler Ten wins from 34 NH runs. Latest win in chase at Navan in November 2020. 14/1, below form twelfth of 22 in handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (24f, soft). Off 9 months. Others preferred.
3 DALLAS DES PICTONS (FR) (199) (C, D) b 964U/44305-P 8 11-2 | 70.8kg
Gordon Elliott, Ireland Davy Russell Pulled up in handicap hurdle at this course (24f, good to soft, 16/1), weakening before 3 out. Off 6 months. Returns with a bit to prove.
4 NIBBLERS CHARM (IRE) (7) s 9417/19-1934 8 11-0 | 69.9kg Ray Hackett, Ireland D. J. McInerney Five wins from 16 NH runs. Latest win in hurdle at Cork in July. 31½ lengths fourth of 5 to Darasso in Lismullen Hurdle at Navan (20f, good to soft, 28/1) 7 days ago. Something to find on form.
5 DE NAME ESCAPES ME (IRE) (197) t 9800P0/333-0 11 10-12 | 68.9kg Noel Meade, Ireland M. P. Walsh Creditable sixth of 18 in handicap (12/1) at Naas (16.1f, heavy) 14 days ago. Switches from Flat to hurdles. Useful hurdler, below form on last hurdle outing.
Gordon Elliott, Ireland K. C. Sexton 5/1, respectable fourth of 8 in novice hurdle at Cheltenham (24f, good to firm) 23 days ago. Trainer going well. Makes handicap hurdle debut, and remains with potential.
Gordon Elliott, Ireland B. J. Cooper Seventeenth of 20 in handicap hurdle (6/1) at Fairyhouse (24f, good to soft). Off 7 months. Needs to get back on the up.
8 THUNDEROSA (IRE) (17) (CD) s+t 9833181-104 9 10-6 | 66.2kg Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, Ireland Patrick O’Hanlon (7lb/3kg) C&D winner. 1 win from 3 runs this season. Latest win in hurdle at Wexford in May. 9/1, creditable 9½ lengths fourth of 9 to First Touch in handicap hurdle at Clonmel (24f, heavy) 17 days ago.
9 FOXY JACKS (IRE) (188) (C) h 99P5R766-14 7 10-5 | 65.8kg M. F. Morris, Ireland D. E. Mullins Course winner. 1 win from 2 runs this season. 11/1, 7¾ lengths fourth of 7 to Samcro in Gr 3 chase at Killarney (20f, good). Off 6 months. Switches from chase to hurdles. Likely to need the run.
10 MARS HARPER (23) s 9521322312 5 10-5 | 65.8kg
Gordon Elliott, Ireland Ms Lisa O’Neill Latest win in hurdle at Downpatrick in October. 5/2, second of 3 in novice hurdle at Cheltenham (19.9f, good to firm) 23 days ago. Yard having good spell. Makes handicap hurdle debut.
11 WHATUCALLHER (IRE) (53) (C, BF) t 9868-U21213 7 10-5 | 65.8kg Eddie & Patrick Harty, Ireland J. J. Slevin 2 wins from 6 runs this season. Creditable third of 17 in handicap hurdle at Listowel (24f, good to soft, 11/2) 53 days ago. Should give another good account.
12 BEN DUNDEE (IRE) (53) (C) 9975/5-07824 9 10-4 | 65.3kg Andrew Lynch, Ireland R. A. Doyle 20/1, creditable fourth of 18 in handicap chase at Listowel 53 days ago. Switches from chase to hurdles. Rejoined yard after leaving GearoidO’Loughlin. Merits consideration from lower hurdles mark.
Gordon Elliott, Ireland C. D. Maxwell Creditable 4½ lengths third of 9 to First Touch in handicap hurdle (4/1) at Clonmel (24f, heavy) 17 days ago. Stable in good form. Solid place claims.
14 WHATSNOTOKNOW (IRE) (32) t 97320-63042 6 10-3 | 64.9kg M. F. Morris, Ireland S. O’Callaghan (7lb/3kg) Twelve runs since last win in 2020. Creditable second of 10 in handicap hurdle (7/2) at this course (20.4f, good to soft) 32 days ago. Not discounted.
15 EDISON KENT (IRE) (57) s 988P33-1062 5 10-0 | 63.5kg Mrs J. Harrington, Ireland S. F. O’Keeffe Winner in hurdle at Killarney in May. 6/1, good second of 6 in minor event hurdle at Navan (21.8f, good) 57 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time. Makes handicap hurdle debut.
16 HEAR NO EVIL (IRE) (349) (D) 10009/603611- 9 10-0 | 63.5kg Noel C. Kelly, Ireland Jonathan Moore 11/1, career best when winning 6-runner novice chase at Ayr (24.1f, heavy), responding well. Off 11 months. Switches from chase to hurdles. Potentially well treated.
17 MORMON (IRE) (35) s+t 89529/53F-50 8 10-0 | 63.5kg Henry de Bromhead, Ireland Rachael Blackmore Blinkered for 1st time, fourteenth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Limerick (24f, soft, 8/1) 35 days ago. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Hard to make a case for.
Gordon Elliott, Ireland B Mulligan (7lb/3kg) Course winner. Seventh of 9 in handicap at the Curragh (12f, good, 8/1). Switches from Flat to hurdles. Plenty to prove at present.
19 FIRST TOUCH (IRE) (17) (D) 9613-664121 9 9-12 | 62.6kg Donal Commins, Ireland Mr M. J. M. O’Sullivan (7lb/3kg) 2 wins from 6 runs this season. Career best when winning 9-runner handicap hurdle at Clonmel (24f, heavy, 3/1) 17 days ago, kept up to work. Considered.
20 OSCER ROMERO (IRE) (53) 94024-1611P 6 9-12 | 62.6kg P. J. Rothwell, Ireland Conor Orr 3 wins from 5 runs this season. Latest win in hurdle at Ballinrobe in August. 7/1, pulled up in handicap hurdle at Listowel 53 days ago, weakening after next. Might bounce back quickly.
21 LORD GILLYGOOLEY (IRE) (28) (D, BF) b+t 96507-03212 6 9-12 | 62.6kg Matthew J. Smith, Ireland A. W. Short Winner in hurdle at Clonmel in September. 2/1, very good second of 16 in handicap hurdle at Cork (24.2f, good to soft) 28 days ago, travelling best. In fine heart at present.
21 DECLARED RUNNERS
BETTING FORECAST:13-2 Mars Harper, 7-1 Lord Gillygooley, 10-1 Whatucallher, 12-1 Sassy Yet Classy, 12-1 First Touch, 12-1 Calagogo, 18-1 Edison Kent, 20-1 Whatsnotoknow, 22-1 Ben Dundee, 25-1 Thunderosa, 28-1 Hear No Evil, 28-1 Foxy Jacks, 33-1 De Name Escapes Me, 33-1 Dallas Des Pictons, 33-1 Commander of Fleet, 33-1 Folcano, 40-1 bar
TIMEFORM VIEW:LORD GILLYGOOLEY is an accurate jumper who arrives on an upward curve, so he’s worth taking a chance on in a competitive handicap hurdle. Whatucallher is also worthy of consideration and Mars Harper looks the pick of the Gordon Elliott-trained contingent.
TIMEFORM 1-2-3:1. LORD GILLYGOOLEY (IRE) 2. WHATUCALLHER (IRE) 3. MARS HARPER
SMART STATS:£27.25 Matthew J. Smith’s profit to a £1 level stake when having only one runner on
Going: Good to Yielding, Cross-Counrty course: Good (Good to Yielding in places)
A right-handed, galloping, undulating track with a steady climb through the last five furlongs. It is a very fair test of a jumper; there are eleven fences to a circuit which are not stiff by British standards and they pose few problems to sound jumpers. The cross-country course is a long and twisting one over a variety of banks and other obstacles, few of which are jumped more than once. The turns are both left- and right-handed and only the final brush fence is on the racecourse proper.
Pace Information: Very Weak
1 SMOOTH PLAYER (IRE) (40) 991 4 11-9 | 73.9kg
Gordon Elliott, Ireland Mr J. J. Codd Promising type. 8/11, won 7-runner bumper at Galway (16.7f, heavy) on NH debut 40 days ago, well on top finish. Sure to build on that, so he’s clearly a big player.
2 THE BIG DOYEN (IRE) (48) 1001 4 11-9 | 73.9kg Peter Fahey, Ireland Mr B. O’Neill 3/1, won 12-runner bumper at Roscommon (15.4f, good) on NH debut 48 days ago. Open to improvement, so boasts solid claims under a penalty.
3 COOL SURVIVOR (IRE) 4 11-2 | 70.8kg
Gordon Elliott, Ireland Ms Lisa O’Neill Westerner gelding. Dam (h87) maiden hurdler, likely to have stayed further than 2½m. Won sole start in points (Apr 10). Makes plenty of appeal on Rules bow.
4 HE’S LEADING ME ON (IRE) 4 11-2 | 70.8kg L. Young, Ireland T. N. Brett (7lb/3kg) Leading Light gelding. Half-brother to bumper winner/fairly useful 2m hurdle winner Beyond The Obvious and dual bumper winner Nouveau Moulin.
5 MAGNETIC PULSE (IRE) (40) 9054 4 11-2 | 70.8kg P. A. Fahy, Ireland Mr T. Hamilton Twice-raced maiden. 9½ lengths fourth of 7 to Smooth Player in bumper (4/1) at Galway (16.7f, heavy) 40 days ago. Unlikely to feature.
6 RECOGNIZE (FR) (24) 982 4 11-2 | 70.8kg T. E. Hyde, Ireland Mr D. T. Hyde (7lb/3kg) Once-raced maiden. 10/3, second of 14 in bumper at Thurles (16f, good) on NH debut 24 days ago. Needs to improve if he’s to go one better.
6 DECLARED RUNNERS
BETTING FORECAST:9-4 Cool Survivor, 5-2 Smooth Player, 3-1 The Big Doyen, 9-1 Recognize, 20-1 Magnetic Pulse, 50-1 bar
TIMEFORM VIEW:COOL SURVIVOR ran out a most impressive winner of a point and it’s notable that his handler has continued his ownership of the 4yo, so he’s worth chancing to make a winning Rules debut for Gordon Elliott. Smooth Player (the selection’s stablemate) and The Big Doyen both landed their first outing in bumpers, so they’re serious dangers to the selection despite shouldering penalties.
TIMEFORM 1-2-3:1. COOL SURVIVOR (IRE) 2. SMOOTH PLAYER (IRE) 3. THE BIG DOYEN (IRE)
WINNERS IN PREVIOUS YEARS:2020 Hollow Games 4-11-2 4-7f Gordon Elliott Mr J. J. Codd 10 2019 Dewcup 4-11-7 4-1 T. M. Walsh Mr P. W. Mullins 9 2018 Malone Road 4-11-7 5-6f Gordon Elliott Mr J. J. Codd 8 2017 Rapid Escape 4-11-7 4-6f Gordon Elliott Ms Lisa O’Neill (5) 8 2016 Samcro 4-11-0 4-9f Gordon Elliott Mr J. J. Codd 7
SMART STATS:4 Gordon Elliott’s number of winners in past 10 runnings. (amongst 2 runners
saddles: SMOOTH PLAYER)21% Gordon Elliott’s strike rate with horses running in 2m to 2m1f bumpers
(saddles: SMOOTH PLAYER and COOL SURVIVOR)25% Gordon Elliott’s strike rate in early season (saddles: SMOOTH PLAYER and
