Johnny Ward's Punchestown tips: Star my "nap of the week" on day one
By Johnny Ward
Last Updated: Fri 14 Jul 2023
The Grade Ones at Punchestown on Tuesday show that quality over quantity is king, with relatively small fields but captivating races, especially the William Hill Champion Chase (5.25pm) and the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (6.30pm).
My nap of the week, quite possibly, goes in the first race of the Festival. It's a long week, though, and please remember to bet responsibly.
With that in mind, listen to the at-times-responsible patter of Dukey, Fran, John and I on the On The Wire podcast (below) too.
On The Wire podcast - the team preview day one and two of the Punchestown Festival
Here's my offering for day one. Best of luck, and don't forget to watch every race live on Racing TV.
3.40 Punchestown: Hallowed Star at a general 13-2
Dave Nevison
Finished: 1stSP: 13/8
Keep an eye out for bookmakers' offers here, with Skybet paying seven places.
Hallowed Star looks at least a stone well-in based on the likely improvement he should find for this better ground, being by Sea The Stars, and having won a summer bumper.
Even so, he's run well in all his maiden hurdles and Shark Hanlon, who has had a fine year, described his six-year-old as "very special" last year, which isn't something one would usually call a horse rated 112.
5.25 Punchestown: Nube Negra at a general 4-1
Dave Nevison
Finished: 3rdSP: 5/2
The betting looks wrong to me here. Nube Negra was rather unheralded for much of his career, but there was no fluke about either of his performances this season, the latter of which gives him an edge over Chacun Pour Soi.
I'd also be worried about Ryanair Chase winner Allaho at this track going right-handed.
The selection is a strong fancy at the prices, with the hotter gallop likely to play to his strengths.
6.30 Punchestown: Monkfish at a general 11-10
Dave Nevison
Finished: 1stSP: 9/4
Opposing Envoi Allen with a horse barely odds-against seems mad but over this trip, given how Envoi Allen behaved at Cheltenham before, and during the race, it has to be the call in a probable match.
Monkfish is a superstar in the making and I am happy to take 11-10.
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