16:55 Punchestown

Wednesday 26 April 2017

All15:4016:2016:5517:3018:0518:4019:15

Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 16:55 | Winning time: 5m 58.00s

Bon Papa⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Mark Walsh| T: W P Mullins

25/1

Came with a big reputation earlier in the season but hasn't really delivered on it to date. Couple of minor successes at Fairyhouse and Gowran Park, exposed in the Neptune at Cheltenham latest. Likely going to make a decent chaser and, while not entirely written off, some of these have clearer credentials today.

Form: 1F1P

Champagne Classic⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: B J Cooper| T: G Elliott| OR: 145

14/1

Had perhaps been pigeon-holed as one not likely to give his best in a finish but he belied that theory when coming up the Cheltenham hill in good style to win the Martin Pipe last month. That was the best effort of his nine-race career and it'll take another personal best to score here, though that shouldn't be discounted with yard in fine fettle.

Form: 232131

Monalee⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: D J Mullins| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 148

4/1

Chased home Penhill last month in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham over this trip, that has often proven to be an exacting race on young horses. Clearly merits respect on that run, form this season has been rock-solid and ran well at this meeting a year ago.

Form: 2-21212

Penhill⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 153

2/1

Showed his liking for this 3m trip last month with impressive Albert Bartlett win at Cheltenham on just second attempt over the distance. Came with a strong run up the hill to score and quickly looked the winner, has big claims if that enduring race hasn't taken its toll.

Form: 111411

Presenting Percy^t⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: D N Russell| T: P G Kelly| OR: 159

5/2

Romped home in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham last month under this rider, making light of what connections apparently felt was a tough handicap mark. That view will be tested now in Grade One company against some proven rivals but he looks a contender once more.

Form: 115411

Tin Soldier^p1⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 140

8/1

Not disgraced in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham last month by any means, had been progressing nicely for the champion trainer previously and has won over this 3m trip already this season. Is lightly-raced but probably needs career-best to win in this company.

Form: 2/84-118

Al Boum Photo²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 143

8/1

Skipped Cheltenham but made up for that with stylish Grade Two success at Fairyhouse earlier this month under Townend, making light of being overlooked by stable jockey on that occasion. This is another step up in class but there is a lot to like about the way he goes about things.

Form: F-311

Moulin A Vent⁶²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Sean Flanagan| T: N Meade| OR: 137

20/1

Another who missed the Cheltenham Festival and has just one hurdles win to his name having had four starts. That win came in a Punchestown novice over 2m4f and he was found out in a Thurles Grade Three last time out over the same trip behind Tin Soldier - that run gives him a stiff task here.

Form: 121427

Forecasts

Penhill (2/1), Presenting Percy (5/2), Monalee (4/1), Tin Soldier (8/1), Al Boum Photo (8/1), Champagne Classic (14/1), Moulin A Vent (20/1), Bon Papa (25/1)

Penhill and Monalee represent the one-two from last month's Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham and while that form is greatly respected, it is a notoriously tough race and one which might have left a mark. For that reason they are overlooked in the win market, though both could figure prominently. Presenting Percy made a mockery of his handicap mark to win the Pertemps Final in great style and has strong claims of adding this prize but the vote is held for AL BOUM PHOTO. The champion trainer bypassed Cheltenham and he duly took a Grade Two at Fairyhouse this month in ready fashion. Held together by today's rider over the final few jumps, he put the race to bed in a matter of strides after the last and might capable of doing a good deal better again in this.