16:00 Punchestown
Sunday 5 February 2017
All13:3014:0014:3015:0015:3016:0016:30
racinguk.com/freetrial Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Grade B)
- 5YO plus  |  3m 4f  |  Soft to Heavy  |  15 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 16:01Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 7m 42.4s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Been battling in handicaps of late, remains on a tight rein ratings wise but looks to have a chance on ability in this contest.
Pulled up in the Thyestes recently and generally been struggling since winning that same race a year ago, hard to fancy him at the moment.
Another to be pulled up in the Thyestes, this is less demanding and pick of his form would entitle him to hold a claim.
Is a previous winner at this course and second in this race last year, ran a perfectly respectable fifth in the Welsh National behind Native River over Christmas, 2lb lower in this and one to consider.
Remains an improving mare and unpunished for finishing third in the Thyestes last time out, always gives her running and should be on the premises in this less daunting contest that she won 12 months ago.
Has shown plenty of promise over fences, winning twice from eight attempts, pulled up latest at Leopardstown in valuable contest and does remain prone to jumping errors.
Been running over hurdles recently and profile over fences is just modest, with one win in 22 attempts - that coming three years ago in this race off 2lb lower.
Just an average performance at this track last month over 3m1f, goes up in trip now but long time since last getting a win.
Recent chase form suggests current mark is going to prove too much amongst this field.
Gowran Park winner in October, three more solid efforts in good handicaps since. Stamina shouldn't be a concern and has a chance.
Has been shaping well recently, including here three weeks ago when pulled up in a race won by Canaly. Likely to see the job out sometime soon.
Beat several of these rivals tow in amateur riders' contest here three weeks ago over 3m1f, not especially well weighted to follow-up however.
Fairly unreliable customer these days and wouldn't make much appeal in a contest that is likely to become a battle of will.
Much better effort last time when runner-up over 2m6f at Limerick, no assurance that he'll back that up and must prove stamina will hold out now upped significantly in trip.
Fell at the first in race won by Canaly at this venue last month over 3m1f, would have it all to do on ratings/form if making it around in once piece.
Forecasts
Bonny Kate (3/1), Sambremont (5/1), Baie Des Iles (8/1), Roi Des Francs (8/1), Folsom Blue (9/1), As De Pique (10/1), Canaly (11/1), Georges Conn (16/1), Captain Von Trappe (16/1), My Hometown (16/1), Riverside City (20/1), Mad Brian (25/1), Apache Jack (25/1), My Murphy (25/1), Toon River (33/1)
Top weight Roi Des Francs should find this just slightly easier than last time with 3lb back but it will require him to be at the peak of his powers to score. Canaly won nicely around here last month but faces a stiff task to back that up, My Hometown was pulled up in that race but can make a better fist of things having run with some promise. As De Pique has been consistent this season and should run another good race while Toon River has a chance on his best form. Baie Des Iles plugged on in the Welsh National and could present a danger having finished second in this 12 months ago but last year's winner BONNY KATE might get the job done again. She's still very much going the right way and despite being worse off at the weights with the runner-up she rarely runs a poor race and should give it a fair crack.
1. Bonny Kate
2. Baie Des Iles
3. Roi Des Francs
Prize Money
1st: €29,500.002nd: €9,500.003rd: €4,500.004th: €2,000.005th: €1,000.006th: €500.00
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