National Hunt Racing > Sunday February 2nd

[Aidymac]

Punchestown 4:10 Popcorn is an appealing price here at 12/1 for Willie Mullins & Ruby Walsh combo. The very lightly raced 11 year old has only had 10 career runs to date, winning three of those. He is taking a huge step up in trip here but is off a decent mark if he does get the trip. He enjoys heavy ground which is important, his form on heavy reads 1-2-2-1-6, Ruby would have had the pick of the three so I think he is worth a bet at the prices. The trip might bring out improvement. Popcorn WIN @ 12/1 Coral

[joeblitz]

Re: National Hunt Racing > Sunday February 2nd 1.40 Punchestown Chancol 8/11 Paddy Power BOG Chancol, a bumper winner at Navan on g/y in December has run twice over hurdles on heavy finishing 4th in a good maiden at Leopardstown before falling at the 6th last month at Navan against a well regarded Mullins horse. Well backed on both hurdle outings, he should prove better than what he has shown so far. This is his chance as Pink Hat is far better on drier ground and I wouldn't be having her today on this ground after her poor run here last month on similar ground. 10 points win Chancol 8/11 Paddy Power BOG 2.10 Punchestown Wicklow Brave 6/4 BetVictor BOG Lieutenant Colonel was impressive lto at Fairyhouse and has looked good so far but I am opposing him here for 2 reasons: 1. The form of the stable yesterday was poor (Si C'etait Vrai excepted) 2. Wicklow Brave won 3 bumpers and only a very good horse doers this. Over time I have no doubts that Lieutenant Colonel will be the better horse of the two by quite a way however on this occasion I am going for the Mullins horse who also won his maiden hurdle in heavy ground, unextended at Wexford lto. 10 Points win Wicklow Brave 6/4 BetVictor BOG 1.30 Musselburgh Racing Pulse4/9 & 3.10 Punchestown Arvika Legionaire 2/5 Bet365 Both are certainties! Arvika is unbeaten over fences going right handed and Racing Pulse is dropped in class after finishing 3rd at Cheltenham lto. Prior to that had looked a beast! 10 points win Double Bet365 (just over evs)