Saturday was a day to forget with my pick Burning Victory finishing 16th. The 11/4 favourite was at the rear of midfield early showing small improvement to sit 12th 3 out. She weakened soon after dropping down the field. At the front the 40/1 chance Commander Of Fleet beat A Great View by 2 1/2 lengths.
There is a double header on Sunday with 8 races at both Punchestown and Cork. The main event at Punchestown comes at 2.00 when 10 line-up for the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase. Willie Mullins saddles 7 of the field and one of his Allaho stands out. His impressive 12 length win in the Ryanair Chase was followed by a good second to Chacun Pour Soi in the Champion Chase on this course when last seen back in April. He is the best on form and is the one to beat on his return. Envoi Allen is a high-class chaser who didn't need to be at his best to win a Grade 2 by 22 lengths at Down Royal on his reappearance at the end of October. That win showed just how good he can be after a disappointing end to last season and he is definitely the main threat. A shortlist of top chasers is completed by Fakir D’Oudairies who has one win from 2 runs this season that came when he beat Royal Rendezvous by 15 lengths in the Clonmel Oil Chase 24 days ago. He also has race fitness on his side and should go well. Of the rest Asterion Forlonge, Kemboy and the Grand National winner Minella Times all make their returns and none can be ruled out.
Over at Cork the highlight is the 2.20 when 6 begin the Grade 2 Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase. The standout horse here is Energumene who despite having to miss Cheltenham completed a good season with a career best win in the Ryanair Novices Chase at Punchestown in April. He beat Janidil by 16 lengths and is clearly the best in the field and should win on his return. Notebook is a high-class chaser who impressed when winning the Fortria Chase by 10 lengths 28 days ago. Another bold showing is likely making him the main challenger. The only other one to look at is Darasso who was a creditable 4th to Honeysuckle in the Hatton's Grace 7 days ago. He switches to chasing here and has a chance.
Big race predictions: Punchestown: 1: Allaho Cork: 1: Energumene.
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