Betting

Punchestown: DOM’S NAP | Tuesday’s Best Bet

Can Willie Mullins’ star gelding regain his two-mile crown at Punchestown?

Published

1 week ago

April 26, 2021

Dominic Chapman

Chacun Pour Soi ridden by Paul Townend (right) clears a fence on their way to winning the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase during day one of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse. Picture date: Saturday February 6, 2021.

Punchestown: Chacun Pour Soi | 5:25pm William Hill Champion Chase (Grade 1)

Willie Mullins saddles two of his stars for Tuesday’s feature at Punchestown but he may be worth chancing his Cheltenham Festival third in County Kildare.

Runners and riders at Punchestown Racecourse — *Day one of the Punchestown Festival features three Grade 1 contests*

The Policy Maker gelding was all the rage ahead of his Prestbury Park debut when picking up the bronze medal, chasing home Put The Kettle On and Punchestown rival Nube Negra.

WATCh: CHAMPION CHASE SECOND, THIRD AND SIXTH NUBE NEGRA, CHACUN POUR SOI AND FIRST FLOW ALL REOPPPOSE EACH OTHER AT THE PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL [CREDIT: RACING TV]

But a return to home comforts may work in the favour of the nine-year-old, who remains lightly-raced given his age and won over course-and-distance here in May 2019, beating British charge Defi Du Seuil by just over four lengths.

Chacun Pour Soi and Paul Townend after winning at Leopardstown Racecourse in December 2020 — *Chacun Pour Soi is a four-time Grade 1 winner and has won at Punchestown before*

He challenges an intriguing rival in the form of the fellow Closutton representative Allaho, who demolished the field in the 2021 Ryanair at Prestbury Park in March.

WATCH: CHACUN POUR SOI BOLTS UP AT THE 2019 PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL [CREDIT: RACING TV]

But connections take a risk dropping him back to two-miles, and this may play into the favour of the more natural, speedier Mullins runner.

It is the first of two superb owner clashes on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival between Mrs Susanna Ricci and Cheveley Park Stud, with novice superstars Envoi Allen and Monkfish facing off later in the day in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase.