Irish interest at Punchestown, Dundalk, Cheltenham and Bahrain There is plenty of racing action today with a National Hunt card at Punchestown, an eight-race Flat fixture under the lights at Dundalk and Irish interest across the water as the three-day Cheltenham November meeting gets underway. The first on a seven-race card at Punchestown begins at 12.15 and the familiar colours of JP McManus look set to play a prominent role with the likes of Puturhandstogether, Luimneach and Irancy all fancied. The latter is trained by Willie Mullins who sends smart bumper performer Sounds Victorius over hurdles in the 2m4f maiden hurdle at 3.10. The going at the County Kildare venue remains good, good to yielding in places, following 4mm of rain since declarations. The forecast is for a mild afternoon with temperatures around 12C and some light rain. David Egan makes the trip over to Dundalk for three rides including Persian Bliss who looks sure to go off favourite for the 1m2f rated race at 7.45. The action on the Polytrack commences at 4.45. The Gordon Elliott-trained Conflated gives away plenty of weight all around in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham (2.55), although just two of his eight rivals are actually in the handicap proper. There is also Irish interest much further afield with the Aidan O’Brien-trained Point Lonsdale competing in the Group 2 Bahrain International Trophy at 4.35.
