Racecards
18:00 Punchestown (IRE)
Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)
- 4 Runners
- Distance: 2m 4f
- Going: Yielding
- Surface: Turf
- €100,000 added
- Winner: €60,000
- 2nd: €20,000
- 3rd: €10,000
- 4th: €5,000
- Form 5-11F91
- Age 6
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 146
- Trainer Mrs J Harrington
- Jockey R M Power
held up in touch in last, took keen hold, disputed 3rd at halfway, headway to dispute lead travelling well 3 out, ridden and headed entering straight, pressed winner before last, kept on same pace inside final furlong
- Form 22-2112
- Age 5
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 150
- Trainer W P Mullins
- Jockey P Townend
tracked leader in 2nd, led and not fluent at 7th, joined 3 out, pushed along and led entering straight, ridden and edged left before last, slight mistake at last, stayed on well under pressure inside final furlong
- Form 1250
- Age 5
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 137
- Trainer W P Mullins
- Jockey B J Cooper
tracked leaders in 3rd, disputed 3rd at halfway, 3rd at 7th, pushed along entering straight, closer 3rd on inner with chance when fell at last
- Form 113909
- Age 6
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 136
- Trainer W P Mullins
- Jockey D E Mullins
led, jumped left and some mistakes, headed and pushed along at 7th, dropped to moderate last next, no impression, left moderate 3rd at last
- Form 11-2111
- Age 6
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 159
- Trainer H De Bromhead
- Jockey Rachael Blackmore
Verdict
BOB OLINGER has been imperious since his defeat by Ferny Hollow on his hurdling bow at Gowran and his display in the Ballymore at Cheltenham was out of the top bracket. Gaillard Du Mesnil looked a threat when looming up at Cheltenham but was outpaced by the winner over the last two flights. Willie Mullins is ensuring a strong gallop with two other entries and it could be closer this time. Ashdale Bob was beaten a long way by the latter at Leopardstown earlier but wasn't over a fall in his previous race and bounced back to land a Fairyhouse Grade 2 earlier this month though only by a neck from Decimation.
Formwatch
Ashdale Bob (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, pushed along briefly 5th, 8th halfway, mistake 6th, closer approaching 3 out where left 3rd, pushed along entering straight and on terms 2 out, ridden to lead approaching last, strongly pressed run-in, stayed on well under pressure, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) Yielding in Apr beating Decimation (11-7) by nk, 8 ran.
Gaillard Du Mesnil (FR) 9-4 (11-7) Bit keen tracking leaders on inside, slightly outpaced between last 2, stumbled last, stayed on into 2nd run-in, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 7 1/2l behind Bob Olinger (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) gs in Mar.
Ganapathi (FR) 6-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, headway on outside 2 out, not clear run before last, well held flat, 14th of 25, 12l behind Belfast Banter (10-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp (1) gs in Mar.
N'Golo (IRE) 40-1 (11-5) Led until 1st, chased leaders out wide, weakened on long run before the last, 9th of 16, 21 3/4l behind Vanillier (11-5) at Cheltenham 3m (1) gs in Mar.
Bob Olinger (IRE) 6-4fav (11-7) Raced keenly, held up in close 5th, headway into 2nd before 4th until 4 out, chased leaders, switched out and 2nd again before 2 out, challenged going well 2 out, led before last, 5 lengths ahead last, quickened further clear run-in, impressive, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) gs in Mar beating Gaillard Du Mesnil (11-7) by 7 1/2l, 7 ran.
Decimation (IRE) 2-1fav (12-0) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden before 2 out, under pressure entering straight, kept on same pace, 3rd of 11, 15 1/2l behind Lifetime Ambition (12-0) at Punchestown 2m 5f Yielding in Apr.