Placepot Pointers: Bachasson rates the banker for Mullins at Punchestown

It’s New Year’s Eve and what better way to kick off the celebrations with a Tote Placepot!

We’ve headed to Punchestown where there’s some competitive racing, with quality fields set to contest six Tote Placepot legs.

We’ll certainly see the stayers sorted from the non-stayers, with heavy ground expected. The chase course at Punchestown is very fair and the fences shouldn’t pose too many problems for sound jumpers. The hurdles track, however, is undulating and has sharp bends, which tends to favour horses who are ridden handy.

Willie Mullins dominance has rarely been clearer than over the Christmas period. He’s had 18 winners over the last fortnight taking his overall strike rate to a mammoth 32% this season. The Closutton handler sends two here to tackle the main event, the Punchestown Hurdle at 14:05. Bachason and Scarpeta.

The aforementioned BACHASSON (Leg 4, 2:05) should finish in the top two here. Reverting to hurdles following his Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase victory, Willie Mullins was incredibly positive about how good a summer he’d had and that was evident for all to see. He had the measure of the 163-rated Cilaos Emery that day and should be too good on that evidence.

The Moran’s are putting together quite the stable of horses and RIVIERE D’ETEL (Leg 3, 1:35) could be the latest hot prospect on their hands. Purchased following a second in a Listed hurdle in France, she can put that experience to good use against her rivals, many of whom are yet to jump an obstacle in public.

CHOSEN HOUR (Leg 2, 1:05) is very interesting stepped up in trip. Sean O’Keefe is back in the saddle after giving him a positive ride last time out, before getting done for turn of foot at the business end of the race. He did, however, plug on all the way to the line and this staying trip looks likely to suit.

CONQUEREDALOFEUROPE (Leg 5, 2:40) travelled and jumped well on his rules debut, digging in all the way to the line to win from a subsequent Gigginstown winner. From his size, he’s looks like one who will have a future over fences but there’s no doubt he’ll be competitive before that. Forgive him his last run and he could well be overlooked here.

If you’re lucky enough to get through to Leg 6 (3:10), a 16-runner handicap hurdle lies in store and, with it being no big shock if one comes out, it’s definitely worth playing a few here.

MARINO MARVEL looks solid enough and is only up a pound for his second over course and distance last time out. FASSBENDER was done no favours by the handicapper after being awarded an opening mark of 102. He may have to come down a few pounds more to win a race but can hopefully be competitive. DE BENNETTE was a little unlucky in running last time and is now back down to a winning mark.

Leg 1: Opposites Attract + The Big Dog

Leg 2: Chosen Hour + Screaming Colours

Leg 3: Riviere D’etel

Leg 4: Bachasson

Leg 5: Conquredalofeurope + R’Evelyn Pleasure + Wingin A Prayer

Leg 6: De Bennette + Fassbender + Marino Marvel

2 x 2 x 1 x 1 x 3 x 3 = 36 lines