Punchestown Tips: Thursday Day 3 Predictions & Latest Odds
The third day of the Punchestown Festival sees some tough handicaps, a cross country race and two Grade One races. It's those top grade races I focus on with tips.
Exclusive to Free Bets all week, I've got the two Grade One races in my sight, and I'm against the favourite in both.
While you check out my Punchestown tips for day three, and don't forget to view the best Punchestown Festival free bets to make the most of today's card.
Punchestown Tips - Thursday Day Three
My two tips below come with odds from betting sites so you can see how the markets are shaping up for both races.
Punchestown 5:25pm - Irish Panther
Kopek Des Bordes went to the Arkle at Cheltenham with just one run under his belt. The best horse in the race (as he is here), his jumping let him down slightly, but he came a good second.
Whatever he does this year, I'm convinced he'll take a massive step forward next season.
But at the prices, as short as he is, I think he's worth opposing in this Grade One, and the pick I like against him is Irish Panther.
This horse would've been my Arkle pick, but they sidestepped that race for a crack at the Champion Chase. He could only finish sixth, but I don't blame them for having a go.
Take out Kopek, and I think he's much the best of this field. Four chase starts, he's got plenty of experience, and I think he'll be up there either forcing the pace, or keeping Kopek honest, which will test the latters jumping ability.
If Kopek jumps, I think he wins. But the betting market has him very short, too short for a horse with risks. Irish Panther is a more than backable price to pick up the pieces if the favourite fails to fire.
- Recommendation: Irish Panther
Punchestown 6:05pm - Bob Olinger (NAP)
There may by a little heart over head here, but I can't help thinking Bob Olinger has a great chance of winning another Grade One contest at the age of 11.
He ran with great credit in the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham, trying to defend his crown, and didn't get the best of runs through. That third was still strong though, and put him in front of Teahupoo, who was down in 6th.
Go back to Christmas, Teahupoo did beat Bob Olinger, but I'm more than happy to give Bob the benefit of that run, it was his first one back of the new season.
I don't think Teahupoo showed anything like he can at Cheltenham and I'll pass him over based on that, though of course, he has some rock solid form in the book.
I don't think there's an absolute star performer in here, based on current form and stage of career. But I do think Bob Olinger is rock solid, a touch below the very best, but a horse that holds his form, and he could well be the best of this bunch.
- Recommendation: Bob Olinger (NAP)
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