3 minute read
Sam King returns with a selection at Punchestown today…
With Lingfield's all-weather meeting abandoned this morning due to the continued cold snap, Punchestown is now the sole action across both Britain and Ireland on Sunday.
The Grade 2 Moscow Flyer looks sure to be an interesting contest, and it wouldn't surprise me to Salvator Mundi was a springer in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle market after winning today. However, I can't say I'm overly fussed about taking the 8/11 on offer about him this afternoon, so it could pay to look elsewhere for a wager.
Gavin Cromwell started 2025 with an absolute bang when saddling four winners at Fairyhouse yesterday, which featured a clean sweep one, two, three in the big handicap chase. He's got a couple of chances on this afternoon's card and his good run may continue with Shantou Princess in the opening Sky Bet Build A Bet Beginners Chase at 12.25.
A point-to-point winner back in March 2024, it's unlikely we've seen the best of this mare over hurdles, albeit she does arrive having won a handicap over the smaller obstacles in fine style at this course last month.
That success was a first outing over three miles under Rules and although this is back over two miles six-and-a-half furlongs, there's no doubt she remains unexposed over more stamina-laden trips, especially with the switch to chasing likely to bring about improvement.
Gavin Cromwell's horses tend to be well-drilled for their chasing debuts and she can make a winning start to life over fences for a stable going great guns.
WIN – Shantou Princess
Odds – 2/1