Top Tipster Daryl Carter has three tips for Tuesday’s racing – all on the opening card of the Punchestown Festival.
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Posted: 1.55pm April 24th (Odds correct at time posted)
3.40 Punchestown – NIGHT AND DAY (1pt win – 9/2 generally)
NIGHT AND DAY was very keen when pulled up at Fairyhouse, but she travelled powerfully through the contest and was continuously short of room when Daryl Jacob tried a daring plan up the inside rail, and then a blunder at four-out saw her with little chance and tenderly handled. It’s interesting connections turn her out quickly, and this is far more suitable than the Grade 1 she contested there. She is surely better than that and now the choice of Paul Townend she has a bigger performance to come.
4.15 Punchestown – DIVERGE (1pt win – 7/2 BetUK, 10/3 generally)
Not many will want to take on Facile Vega today, having bounced back from a poor run at Leopardstown to run a mighty second in the Supreme Novice Hurdle. However, that may be the reason for taking him on. He was lame at Leopardstown, and much of the talk was whether he could get back in time for Cheltenham. That was a huge training performance, and it must have surely left a mark. He clung on to victory here last year over Redemption Day when all out at the line, and this could prove one run too many. DIVERGE is a valid alternative, having finished third in the Supreme and made up significant ground from the rear of the field and gave Facile Vega the first run. That was just the third start of his career, and there could be plenty more to come. He returns to the scene of his penultimate start, which was a runaway romp.
6.35 Punchestown – JOURNEY WITH ME *NAP* (2pt win – 11/4 generally)
A race plagued with non-stayers, but JOURNEY WITH ME looks as though the door is open to further improvement at this distance which is more than can be said for the Willie Mullins duo that arrive here after a couple of tough races in quick succession. Henry De Bromhead has obviously kept the selection fresh for this, having opted to bypass a tough race at Cheltenham and go to Naas. His runner has been a steady improver this season, and having made all last time, Rachael Blackmore will likely want to turn this race into a test of stamina (hopefully leads). Classic Getaway returns from a long break and is feared most, but he will likely need deeper ground that this.
Daryl Carter’s Best Bets
3.40 Punchestown – NIGHT AND DAY (1pt win – 9/2 generally)
4.15 Punchestown – DIVERGE (1pt win – 7/2 BetUK, 10/3 generally)
6.35 Punchestown – JOURNEY WITH ME *NAP* (2pt win – 11/4 generally)
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