My only bet on Tuesday, Gimli's Rock, never got into contention unfortunately in the big field handicap at Punchestown. His jumping throughout the race was poor and he finished well down the field.
Tomorrow's racing is again top quality. As well as top National Hunt action at Punchestown, Chester hosts a fantastic flat racing card, including the marathon Chester Cup Handicap (2.55) over 2m2f.
Chester 2.55 - La Vecchia Scuola - 0.5pts e/w @ 20/1 (Paddy Power)
This marathon requires stamina in abundance, and I feel this mare has it in her to run a very good race. La Vecchia Scuola has won over 2 furlongs further than tomorrow's trip when running over hurdles, so the trip definitely shouldn't be a problem. She ran in this race last year but never got involved, but that race was her first run back after a very long lay off so fitness excuses can be accepted for that run. She shouldn't have any such fitness concerns tomorrow as she had a spin over hurdles at Cheltenham, but never really got involved and wasn't given a hard time of it by jockey Graham Lee. That run will hopefully have put her in good shape for tomorrow's race, and I'm prepared to have a small each way bet on her in what is a very competitive race.
Chester 3.30 - Moorhouse Lad - 4pts win @ 8/1 (Paddy Power)
This ultra competitive class 2 handicap over 5 furlongs is a tough one to solve, but I'm very sweet on the chances of Moorhouse Lad (pictured above). The draw is extremely important over 5 furlongs at Chester, with a low number draw being key. Moorhouse Lad has drawn the plum stall in number 1, which is perfect for this race. His form in the book is outstanding, having won 2 Group 3 races in the past, as well as similar standard handicaps to the one he is contesting here tomorrow. He has won 7 races in his career, all coming at tomorrow's 5 furlong trip. He has been contesting some higher class races in recent times, including a respectable effort in a Group 1 at the backend of last season. His mark is at it's lowest for quite some time tomorrow, which is also another positive. He made a low key comeback 19 days ago from a 181 day break off the track, but he's sure to strip much fitter for tomorrow. Unfortunately I missed some nice prices on him but the 8/1 is still value in my opinion and I will be surprised if he doesn't go off shorter.
Punchestown 6.30 - Apt Approach - 1pt win @ 8/1 (Boylesports)
This is a very hard handicap to solve, and cases can be made for many, but I've gone for the Willie Mullins trained Apt Approach. His chasing career has got off to an impressive start, only finishing out of the first 2 on 1 occasion in 5 attempts. He finished a 5 length 2nd to Roberto Goldback in a Grade 2 chase at Leopardstown last January, and Roberto Goldback is now going on to contest the Grade 1 Guiness Gold Cup earlier on in the card at Punchestown tomorrow, which shows how decent that performance looks now from Apt Approach. Unfortunately his booked jockey Paul Townend looks to have suffered a bad injury during today's racing and will miss the ride, but I'm sure Willie Mullins will make sure someone equally capable will get booked to replace him. Apt Approach has had a break off the track, but fitness should not be lacking tomorrow as Mullins usually has his horses spot on for the Punchestown festival. The good ground is a slight worry, but the staff at Punchestown seem to be really trying to water the ground heavily so that will hopefully play into my selections hands. I'm only placing small stakes as it's such a competitive race, but I'm sure there's definitely more improvement to come from this animal over fences.
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