The first race at Punchestown on Saturday sees an exciting ex hurdler for Willie Mullins make his chasing bow. FLAT OUT has his first run over fences in the 11.45am Beginners Chase. The horse is very highly thought of by the Mullins yard, picked out at the start of the year as a potential Arkle candidate. It has the best hurdle form in the race, was second to Blackstairmountain in a Grade Two hurdle at the course in April. Currently 25/1 for the Arkle at the Festival without running in a chase, the horse has been extensively schooled over fences at home and should be ready for this race.
Another favourite which should oblige tomorrow is at Sandown in the Tolworth Hurdle at 2.40pm. TOUBAB is a very smart prospect for Paul Nicholls who has won the last three runnings of this race with Breedsbreeze, Silverburn and Noland. Nicholls said at the start of the season in his stable preview that Toubab was “an interesting horse for top novice hurdles this season” and he hasn’t disappointed so far winning a listed race at Haydock in November over two miles, beating Drill Sergeant by eight lengths without coming off the bridle. He is fourth in the Supreme Novice betting at 12/1 which is his target for the season and that price should shorten tomorrow after winning the Tolworth.
A good each way shout comes in the Handicap Chase at Sandown (3.15pm). Nicky Henderson sends FRENCH OPERA for his first run of the season here. Won four out of his five starts over fences last season and ran arguably his best race in the one he was beaten in, the Grand Annual at Cheltenham where he was beaten a length by Pigeon Island. He has proven form against his rivals here having beaten Tchico Polos by six lengths in a Grade Two Novice Chase at Ayr in April. Henderson will have the horse raring to go so fitness should not be an issue and the horse should make the frame.
Recommendations:
11.45am Punchestown: FLAT OUT (forecast 9/4)
2.40pm Sandown: TOUBAB (forecast 11/10)
3.15pm Sandown: FRENCH OPERA (forecast 8/1)
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