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Punchestown Festival tips: Johnny Ward's bets for day three
By Johnny Ward
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Our Irish racing expert shares his best bets for Thursday. Watch every race live on Racing TV!
It was another lovely warm afternoon in the east of Ireland on Wednesday, and I certainly don't envy ground staff trying to keep everyone as happy as they can at this stage of the season.
Day one of the Punchestown Festival illustrated that this is a dangerous festival for heavy wagering on favourites who are coming towards the end of the season.
It can be hard predicting who will be over the top, and who will maintain their form, and that's not unrelated to one of Thursday’s selections.
Be lucky.
Johnny Ward
Finished: 13thSP: 12/1
I tipped this horse up recently at Naas when he finished last at 50-1 but he ran far better than that, showing he could travel in a hot race plus he's still improving.
His rider is excellent value for his claim, and I'd be amazed if Walnut Beach proves not a good bit better than this mark sooner or later.
Johnny Ward
Finished: 6thSP: 14/1
Klassical Dream is a shocking price here. Fair enough, he probably wins if showing his best, but he flopped at Gowran Park and showed how tricky he is at Cheltenham last time out.
I doubt Vanillier will ever jump fences again but on last season's novice hurdle form, he must have a reasonable chance here. A saver on Concertista, who will be quietly ridden, is also worth considering as she gets a nice weight allowance.
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Now a non-runner
Johnny Ward
Finished: 5thSP: 8/1
The favourite, James’s Gate, should win this and he holds Music Drive on Cheltenham Festival form. The Champion Bumper third will probably beat the selection again, but this is totally different ground and that seems very likely to narrow the gap between them.
Music Drive will appreciate the likelihood of a good gallop and is a decent prospect for a yard in sensational form.
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