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Punchestown Festival: Johnny Ward's five best bets on Day One
By Johnny Ward
Last Updated: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Johnny Ward shares his five best bets for the opening day of the five-day extravaganza at Punchestown, with every race live and exclusive on Racing TV. Sign up for a free trial below!
3.40 Punchestown: Davy Crockett
So well-treated potentially, he is worth one more chance in the tongue tie. It was not long ago I felt he was a Supreme candidate and here he is running off 126.
3.40 Punchestown: I'm Slippy
Reminds me of the owner’s Blast Of Koeman, who was narrowly beaten twice at this Festival, and took the eye at Mallow.
He is a promising horse and can be backed at 16-1. Only last November he was second to Talk The Talk when joint-favourite at Fairyhouse.
4.15 Punchestown: Too Bossy For Us
Cheltenham was quite encouraging (just behind El Cairos jumping the last) and on his Flat form, he retains the scope to be high-class.
The fact he is running here suggests his trainer believes Fairyhouse was all wrong as he is well-regarded with a view to the Flat too.
6.05 Punchestown: Majborough
Cheltenham was a mess but he was revved up after a messy start; this should be more relaxed. He was odds-on then but is 11-4 here. Hopefully he jumps straight.
6.05 Punchestown: Marine Nationale
In my view, he deserves to be favourite on this ground as Il Etait Temps benefitted from a pace collapse at Cheltenham.
He was a general second-favourite for the Champion Chase before missing the Festival because of a minor hold-up.
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