Ivanovich Gorbatov bids for second consecutive big handicap score

Having ended a losing run dating back to the 2016 Triumph Hurdle when landing a valuable prize at Fairyhouse last month, Ivanovich Gorbatov is on the trail of another big pot in the Ballymore Handicap Hurdle (5.35) at Punchestown.

He is one of two runners in the 2m4f contest for Joseph O'Brien, who is also represented by Landofhopeandglory, another to have successfully reverted to hurdles at Cork on his most recent start in March.

O'Brien said: "There is good money on offer and we hope they can get a share of it."

Canardier: will get better ground at PunchestownCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Also chasing a big slice of the handicap prize-money is the Dermot McLoughlin-trained Canardier, who performed well in handicaps at Cheltenham and Aintree on his last two starts.

"A lot will depend on what effect his two runs in England have had. He seems fine but you never know. The ground was slower than ideal for him in both places and the better ground he'll get at Punchestown is what he needs," said McLoughlin.

The 25-runner line-up also includes nine from the Willie Mullins yard, Tony Martin's recent Fairyhouse maiden winner Le Tektor and the Jessica Harrington-trained pair Jezki and Woodland Opera, who runs in his first handicap hurdle off a mark 12lb lower than his chase rating.

In-form Paddymc needs rain to fall

With only three run over fences, Young Paddymc is the least experienced of 11 runners in the Palmerstown House Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase (5.00), but the Tom Gibney-trained seven-year-old has taken well to chasing and is a course winner.

Runner-up on his other two starts this season, Danny Mulllns's mount carries just 9st 13lb and Gibney is optimistic about his chances.

He said: "Young Paddymc has been in good form all season and, after winning at Punchestown, he ran well when second in a novice handicap at Navan last time.

"He's been very consistent and while it was good ground when he won over the course in January, I think he appreciates a bit of ease. So any rain they might get would help."

Punchestown card

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