Day 3 of Punchestown features the Stayers’ Hurdle as its main Grade 1. Matty Sutcliffe is supporting a 33/1 outsider in the race, as well as three others across the day.
3:05 Punchestown – Frontline Security Handicap Chase (Listed Race) (5yo+) – Gabriel’s Getaway 22/1 0.5pt EW 5 places
GABRIEL’S GETAWAY was a big drifter when beaten nine lengths at Doncaster from a 399 day layoff, in a race won by his well backed stablemate Brookie,. That one is now rated 20lbs higher having been beaten three lengths in the G1 Maghull Novices’ Chase next time out, and the forms held up elsewhere with the second filling that spot in the G3 Scotty Brand Handicap (4th was back in third) at Ayr last time out and the third finishing second in the Red Rum.
Gabriel’s Getaway showed the benefit of a run when winning second time up last season from a 214 day break so it’s plausible to suggest he’ll strip much fitter for that outing, with the handicapper relenting 3lbs from last time out. This good ground is the key to him and he’s 2/3 in handicap chases going right handed. He’s one of Sam Twiston-Davies’ three rides at this meeting, who’s 3/8 at Punchestown all time.
4:15 Punchestown – Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) (4yo+) – Ballybow 11/1 1pt EW + The Friday Man 33/1 0.5pt EW 5 places
BALLYBOW was out of his depth in the Albert Bartlett when not looking all that in love with the track, but prior to that he had four figures of 10211 over hurdles and could be well treated off a mark of 128 on his handicap debut.
The Flemensfirth gelding made a winning debut for Gordon Elliott when landing a Sligo bumper to beat the now 123r Coral River who was a length behind the subsequent Top Novices’ Hurdle winner Honesty Policy last time out. He came back lame from his hurdles debut and quickly brushed that aside after, when finishing a three lengths second to Air Of Entitlement, who’s now rated 141 having won the Dawn Run next time out.
Ballybow went one better when comfortably landing a Naas Maiden Hurdle by nine lengths from a subsequent winner now rated 125 and another now rated 127. He backed that up when taking a Clonmel G3 from the then 129 rated Ballygunner Castle, who franked the form next time out who beaten a length in a Fairyhouse G2 (2nd goes in a G1 on Wednesday).
The latter trio of efforts suggest he’s nicely handicapped off a mark of 128, and his breeding (Flemensfirth x Yeats mare) would suggest this better ground is fine for last years’ winning trainer.
Another from the Elliott yard to consider is THE FRIDAY MAN, who has been out of the frame just once (411311213232415) for Gordon Elliott, as opposed to 555PU8PUPU for the other two yards. His form figures in hurdles reads an impressive 131121, with his last effort in this sphere coming at Cheltenham in April 2023 in Listed company.
After a spell in the doldrums for Moses McCabe, he returned to Cullentra House in September with a comfortable chasing success over this distance at Tramore on good ground albeit in a weak race, and he can be forgiven for his sixteen lengths fifth next time out judged on the mistake he made two out.
Given his record in that discipline is just one from twelve, the return to hurdling looks the correct move and he’s capable of running well fresh, given his record when returning from a break for Gordon Elliott reads 413.
6:00 Punchestown – Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+) – Colonel Mustard 33/1 0.5pt EW 3 places
The last time COLONEL MUSTARD made a return this quick to the track was back in 2023, where he was beaten three tenths in the Scottish Champion Hurdle in second prior to returning six days later to be beaten nine lengths in the Irish Champion Hurdle at this meeting by State Man who was then at the peak of his powers, with Vauban six lengths in front who had played second fiddle to State Man for most of that season. That pair were rated 21lbs and 15lbs superior to him respectively, and this new trip is worth exploring at this stage of his career with him proven to bounce back from a recent run.
Colonel Mustard was an eye-catcher in a Fairyhouse G2 last week when a very tenderly handled two length fourth, with J J Levin quite content to sit quiet two out despite the rest all at it, and he came wide throughout, relenting from the use of his stick. With that in mind, it was a pleasing performance and he stayed on strongly in the manner of one requiring further, clocking the fastest final furlong in the process.
He was a staying on fifth in the Coral Cup too over 2m5f, and his prior form behind Kitzbuhel reads well enough with that one winning again prior to an unlucky looking third at Sandown in G2 company last time out, with the winner that day previously finishing a length ahead of Colonel Mustard in the G2 Howden Ascot Hurdle at Sandown.
His form figures here read 142332 and while he hasn’t won since 2021, this consistent, admirable performer can spring a surprise if confirming the visual suspicion he’ll improve for this trip.
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