World Hurdle runner-up Punchestowns has looked the real deal since being sent over fences and is strongly fancied to maintain his unbeaten record in a fascinating race.
He survived a terrible blunder last time out at Sandown before powering home to beat Tchico Polos with any amount in hand, and has the size and scope to go right to the top and become a real Gold Cup horse for next season.
What impressed me at Sandown was the way in which he made up the huge amount of ground he lost from his mistake with effortless ease. Barry Geraghty didn't move a muscle yet the horse was able to close the gap in no time.
He has apparently been schooling brilliantly at seven Barrows in recent weeks, and is said to be in absolutely terrif form after a slight injury scare just over a week ago.
I am actually surprised to see second favoruite for this behind his stable compaion Long Run, who hasn't impressed me with his jumping since arriving from France.
There is little doubt that he is a class horse and a very exciting prosepct for one so young. but he jumps flat and tends to hurdle some of his fences.I am not convinced the undulations of Prestbury Park will be up his street, and he cannot afford to take any liberties with the stiff fences.
A bigger danger could be Mouse Morris' Weapons Amnesty who has ben crying out for better ground and has some solid form in the book. I think he's definitely the each-way value in the race and the one most likely to beat the "big two".
Recommended bet: 5pts win Punchestowns (11-4 Hills)
