2.00 Cheltenham
John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (grade 1) (Class
1) (5YO plus)
Winner €52,000
Advice: 3 pts win Flemenstar (11/10 Boylesports, evs
general)
Flemenstar: Won all 5 novice races (including 2 Grade 1’s)after
defeat to Bog Warrior last year, propelling himself to near Gold Cup favouritism
with Powers Gold Cup romp that proved he handled good ground; As good a sever
on return when brushing aside Big Zeb in the Fortia Chase, a run for which he
should improve based on recent seasons; Clearly the one to beat even in such a
high quality field. 
Rubi Light: Exceptionally consistent front running chaser
who can be near impossible to beat over this trip on good ground, as he showed
when romping away with this last year (other runs solid but either over 3m);
Should give a bold sight today for all that second season horses appeal more. 
Sir Des Champs: Arguably the star of last season’s crop of
novices, having gone 5-5 over fences and unbeaten in 7 for Willie Mullins in
some style, the highlight being his smooth win at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f,
good) which promised more for this year, notably when stepped up in trip (only
once run over 3m in non – event that was the Growise Champion Chase at
Punchestown Festival); Should take the beating today but small field and heavy
ground unlikely to see him at best which makes this his stiffest test yet.
VERDICT: The second mouthwatering clash of the weekend
between two of the horses at the forefront of the Gold Cup betting. In time,
Sir Des Champs might be Ireland’s best contender for that award, but today
could be FLEMENSTAR’S day with a run under his belt over his devastating best conditions
of 2m4f with heavy ground.
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