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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Preview laytown 3rd Sep
Preview laytown 3rd Sep
Jembatt is driven out by Declan McDonogh with Valley Queen (eventually finished third) in behind
© Photo Healy Racing
The annual jamboree on the beach at Laytown is upon us again and previous form at the venue is so often a big plus.
One who has that advantage is Mt Weather, who is a dual winner here and while his recent Bellewstown return didn't inspire confidence, it will have sharpened him up for his bid to land the O'Neill Sports Handicap for the second year in a row.
He beat 2010 winner Under Review 12 months ago and Michael Browne's representative brings better recent form to the table, while the veteran Richelieu completes a trio of past winners of the race, although age appears to be catching up with him.
The Hamptons landed that event is 2009, but this season takes in the opening Tote Mobile Betting Handicap (4.20), although he is another who needs to rediscover some form and will do well to get to grips with the British challengers Dana's Present and Emkanaat.< Jembatt performed with credit at the Curragh on Sunday and can't be ruled out either now that he makes a swift reappearance.
That's Plenty gained plenty of experience of all-weather racing when sent to the Middle East and returns to Pat Shanahan's stable for the Gilna's Cottage Inn Maiden, a contest won two years ago by Pivotal Rock.
The latter is back for the Neptune Claiming Race and does so on the back of a defeat as favourite at Killarney, which came less than a week after a fair fourth at Dundalk.
Phils Wish also let favourite-backers down on his most recent appearance, managing only fifth at Wolverhampton, but there will be plenty who keep the faith in the Marquees Nationwide (QR) Handicap.
Fair jumpers Annie Other and Usa coss swords in the Hibernia Steel (QR) Race but, over seven furlongs, it wouldn't be surprising if they were outpaced by the Dermot Weld-trained Moonbi Creek.