Punchestown plays host to a compelling card on , with several races promising competitive action. Among the key contenders highlighted by analysts, Ney stands out as a value bet in the 14:30, while Pure Steel, Soldier In Milan, Lazare De Star, Dani Donadoni, Nettuno Italia, Soul Asylum, and The Nagger Reidy are also identified as strong possibilities throughout the afternoon.
A Strong Card at Punchestown
The Racing Post team suggests that Ney’s stamina as a hurdler could be a significant advantage in the 14:30 race. Gordon Elliott, a consistently successful trainer, has dominated this particular race, winning five of the last six editions, and fields a strong team including Lucky Lyreen and Born Braver. However, the value appears to lie with Ney, who demonstrated improved form in a recent outing at the same track. The horse is currently priced at 12/1.
Earlier in the day, Pure Steel is favored in the 13:30, described as a “tidy race” with several horses holding claims. Pure Steel’s recent course and distance win in a novice contest, coupled with a less-than-stellar performance in a Grade 3 race, positions him as a leading contender, currently at 4/6. The analysis notes that Pure Steel shades the vote over Relieved Of Duties.
The 14:00 race features Soldier In Milan, a point-to-point winner who showed promise after leading over the last at Gowran before being narrowly defeated. That performance marks him as a key contender, and he is currently priced at 11/8.
Elliott’s Dominance and Value Bets
The strength of Elliott’s team in the 14:30 is noteworthy. Beyond Lucky Lyreen and Born Braver, The Lovely Man also represents a good prospect. Koori Star, trained by Peter Fahey, is another intriguing runner, having been kept at shorter distances recently. However, the analysis specifically points to Ney as offering the best value, citing his good stamina and a return to form five weeks ago.
Following the 14:30, Lazare De Star is favored in the 15:00, in a rematch of a Navan rated novice event against Zeus Power. The 15:32 features Dani Donadoni, while Nettuno Italia is highlighted for the 16:02. Soul Asylum is the pick for the 16:32, and The Nagger Reidy concludes the card in the 17:02.
Midwinter’s Insights
Betfair’s Katie Midwinter also offers insights into the Punchestown card, further reinforcing the competitive nature of the day’s racing. While specific selections weren’t detailed beyond the overall card, her analysis adds another layer of expertise to the already robust previews available.
Paddy Power’s 11/1 Play
Paddy Power News highlights an 11/1 shot at Punchestown, further emphasizing the potential for lucrative returns for astute punters. The specific horse wasn’t explicitly named in the provided content, but the emphasis on a long-odds contender suggests a willingness to identify potential upsets within the card.
The Punchestown card promises a day of engaging horse racing, with a mix of established contenders and potential surprises. The analysis provided by multiple sources suggests a focus on stamina, recent form, and trainer expertise as key factors in predicting success. Ney, in particular, appears to represent a compelling value bet for those seeking a higher payout in the 14:30 race.
With Elliott’s consistent success at Punchestown and the presence of several competitive races, Sunday’s card is poised to deliver an exciting afternoon of racing for fans and bettors alike. The selections of Pure Steel and Soldier In Milan in the earlier races also suggest a strong start to the day for those following the expert tips.
