RACING/Punchestown Preview: Popular trainer Oliver Brady is confident he will be exercising his vocal chords after Balapour runs in the featured four-year-old hurdle at Punchestown today.
The Co Monaghan-based Brady is renowned for his exuberant approach to celebrating a winner and despite 18 opponents, including four from Britain, the number one spot could be lively come 3.20 this afternoon.
Fourth in the Triumph at Cheltenham, and runner-up to Scottish Memories at Fairyhouse, Balapour should have the ground to suit.
"It's coming in his favour at the right time and I hope the sun keeps shining. He is in great form, absolutely flying. He is as fresh as a daisy and we got a great boost from Scottish Memories on Tuesday. He is the best I've ever had him. If he runs to his form, he will win, and I think he will win," Brady said yesterday. Brady is having his best ever season but is not in the first rank of fashionable trainers and Balapour's price could reflect that.
Newhall got found out by the fastish ground at Liverpool behind Quazar and will hardly be suited by the current weather and an interesting cross-channel raider could be Nicky Henderson's Greenhope.
This one has landed all three of his hurdle starts at Ascot, Cheltenham and the last of them at Kempton in December. Greenhope hung to his left on that occasion but Henderson is hopeful that problem has been resolved.
"He had trouble breathing that day and we've taken steps to cope with that. I hope it is fixed now. He will like good ground," said Henderson.
The going won't stop Limestone Lad trying to emphasise the 27lb official superiority over his Irish opponents in the Stayers' Hurdle. But it has ruled him out of tomorrow's Emo Oil Champion Hurdle. "One run on that ground is enough for him. He has run on good to firm before and been okay, so he will go in the three mile. But the ground is my only concern. On form, he is ahead of the opposition and I couldn't be happier with him," said Michael Bowe.
Moscow Flyer will be another high profile hotpot in the Swordlestown Cup and it is hard to see the Arkle winner being turned over in the six-runner race.
Mantles Prince could emerge best of the rest but Moscow Flyer looks in a different league provided he jumps well.
Risk Of Thunder may have to play second fiddle to Paddy's Return in the La Touche Cup.
Over €500,000 extra was bet with the bookmakers at Punchestown yesterday compared to the opening day. A total of €2,353,770 changed hands including €434,253 on the sixth race. That compares to a Tuesday total of €1,711,740. Yesterday's Tote aggregate reached €800,775
