The weekend kicked off with my pick Le Musigny coming 2nd. The 11/5 favourite was 4th at halfway but improved to press the leaders from 2 out. He sat 2nd before the last and had every chance in the closing stages but the 11/4 shot Tiger Voice held on to win by 3/4 of a length.
It's a busy Sunday with a double header which sees 8 races at both Punchestown and Navan. The main event at Punchestown is the 2.05 when 13 start the Ladbrokes Handicap Chase. Pont Aven was 2nd over this course and race distance on his last run at the end of April,he was 1 3/4 lengths behind Foxy Jacks that day and should go one better here. Dame De Compagnie won the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in 2020 and followed that up with a win at Ayr at the beginning of this year,her two runs since then saw her unseat her rider in the grade one Scilly Isles Novices Chase at Sandown and a ninth place finish at this year's festival. Despite that she could run well on her way to a possible run in this year's Galway Plate. Somptueux ran well to pick up a win in a novice chase at Fairyhouse in mid April,he faces a stiffer test here but could still challenge. The other one who could do well is Rapid Response who won a handicap chase on this course when last seen in April and could be the surprise package. The big race at Navan comes at 4.05 when 9 line-up for the Royal County Premier Handicap. Bear Story was 2nd to derby hopeful Sir Lamorak in a handicap at Leopardstown at the beginning of April, that was a tough task but he should build on a solid performance here. Baton Rouge was a good winner at Dundalk in late March and a second at Naas when last seen earlier this month and he should run well despite being top-weight. The other challenger could be Earl Of Tyrone who's best recent performance was a 4th on this course back in March. His last run was a 7th in a handicap at Leopardstown 21 days ago but despite that result he still has a slight chance.
Big race predictions: Punchestown: 3: Point Aven Navan: 3: Bear Story.
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