Talented Blow By Blow rates as banker material

The first Punchestown cross-country race of the season (12.05) kicks off Sunday's Pick 6 and it is wise to play safe.

The form of Hurricane Darwin's runner-up effort when last seen got a boost with the victory of Josies Orders at Cheltenham on Friday, but the Alan Fleming-trained gelding faces a stern challenge from Ballycasey, who is a fascinating recruit to this discipline.

Des McDonogh's progressive five-year-old Hearts Are Trumps has a strong chance in a 2m handicap hurdle (12.35) in which Like An Open Book rates a danger after chasing home easy winner Wonder Laish at Navan last Sunday.

The in-form Neddyvaughan, bidding to complete a hat-trick for Padraig Roche, has most to fear from one of his recent Wexford victim Conduct Yourself in the handicap chase (1.05).

Blow By Blow looks banker material for Gordon Elliott in the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Chase (1.40), but it remains to be seen whether the trainer decides to allow last season's star novice Samcro take his chance in the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle (2.15). His absence would leave it between last year's winner Faugheen.

The 3m handicap hurdle (2.50) looks very open. There is good case to be made for Arthur Moore's Brosna George, who is up 5lb for a Down Royal win.

Court Maid won a 2m4f maiden at Cork last month and should appreciate the longer trip, while Une Lavandiere is an an interesting contender for Noel Meade, making her handicap hurdle debut off a mark 7lb lower than her chase rating.

SELECTIONS

12.05 Ballycasey, Hurricane Darwin
12.35 Hearts Are Trump, Like An Open Book
1.05 Neddyvaughan, Conduct Yourself
1.40 Blow By Blow
2.15 Faugheen, Samcro
2.50 Court Maid, Une Lavandiere, Brosna George

48 bets at €1 = total cost €48

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