ENVOI’LL SEND ‘EM PACKING
Exciting Allen to show he’s the real deal in Punchestown test
Envoi Allen (12.20) can cement his superstar status in the opener at Punchestown.
Gordon Elliott’s hero puts his massive reputation on the line in a final tune-up for a tilt the Marsh Novices Chase at Cheltenham. Envoi Allen hacked up in last season’s Ballymore at Prestbury Park then made a smooth transition to the larger obstacles.
However, he faces a big test today as he is being asked to lump a stone more than Asterion Forlonge. Willie Mullins’ charge is no mug. As a hurdler, he had bags of talent but his erratic jumping cost him dear in last term’s Supreme.
The gelding was better on fencing debut only to fall when a hot favourite at Limerick over Christmas. Nonetheless, soft ground and ra c ing r ight handed are two huge pluses for the horse and he can give the odds- on shot a real run for his money.
However, if Envoi is as good as everyone thinks he is, he can maintain his unbeaten record for Team Cheveley Park.
The Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle is much more to punters’ liking with bookies going 7-2 the field for the eight-runner cracker.
Paddy Corkery only has three horses but Master McShee is a deserving jolly while The Dreal Deal is also fascinating for the Ronan McNally Team.
But it pays to side with the big guns in these races so I’m backing Willie Mullins’ GANAPATHI (1.20) .
The gelding is the choice of Paul Townend and he is open to plenty of progress after scoring in decent style on debut at Cork.
NOTATION (2.35) is well worth punting on the sand at Southwell.
Mark Johnston’s yak won by the length of the straight here last time out and he can shrug off a stiff hike with any repeat of that effort.
Upwardly mobile Ganpathi can bag a red-hot novice event for Team Mullins