Search
Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
- Home
- News
Preview tipperary 2nd Oct
Nicky Henderson has decided to bring Hargam across to Tipperary for his return to action in the Istabraq Hurdle on Sunday.
The JP McManus-owned grey wasn't far short of the very best around last term, making the frame in the International at Cheltenham, as well as Kempton's Christmas Hurdle, although he failed to make an impact in the Champion Hurdle.
This Grade Two contest appears an ideal starting point for him and he takes on a couple of solid Willie Mullins representatives in Ivan Grozny and Thomas Hobson.
Plinth took this prize last year but faces stronger opposition now and carries McManus' second colours.
His trainer Joseph O'Brien saddles the Gigginstown House Stud-owned Bel Sas in the Joe Mac Novice Hurdle, just a few days after he was switched from Mullins' yard.
The champion trainer provides the primary danger in the shape of Penhill, who beat Bel Sas at Listowel, while the Dermot Weld-trained Timiyan goes for McManus.
High-class staying hurdler Alpha Des Obeaux goes over fences for the first time in the Like A Butterfly Novice Chase.
Mouse Morris' exciting prospect got closest to the brilliant Thistlecrack in the World Hurdle and has the potential to go to the top in this sphere.
This is no penalty kick, though, with Sandymount Duke, Westerner Lady and Tocororo all having the benefit of previous chasing experience.
There is a Classic winner on show in the Coolmore Stud Home Of Champions Concorde Stakes.
Jet Setting claimed the scalp of Minding in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and has her sights lowered following defeats in the Coronation Stakes and Matron Stakes.
Galilean caught the eye when third on debut and is expected to come forward significantly for the opening Athassel House Stud EBF Maiden (1.40), while old favourites An Saighdiur, Seanie and Tribal Path take part in a competitive Thetote.com Handicap.