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26th April 2017
02:08pm BST


The Guinness Handicap Chase goes to post at 6:40 and last year's winner Irish Cavalier has made the trip across the water to defend his crown. His last outing was the Topham Handicap Chase at Aintree and that wouldn't inspire confidence for his supporters today.
Polidum makes his debut for Willie Mullins having had a decent career in France. He was entered in the Aintree Grand National but didn't get in which must lead us to believe the team believe he's got the goods to win the top handicaps.
I think he is the winner but his price has shortened a lot so one at treble the price - Rachael Blackmore's mount People's Park - is interesting.
Truthfully I was drawn to this horse because of his name as I live near Dun Laoighaire, where there is a 'Peoples Park' but when I looked at his form, it's not all bad. Plus he's off bottom weight and Rachael takes another 3lbs off him so he wont even know she's on his back. While Polidum is my pick for the winner, Peoples Park could place so backable each way.
In the Mares Bumper, the last race at 7:05, I am opting for Bluegrass Princess. Kentucky is home of the bluegrass, a place where I spent time working with some amazing horses, and although she mightn't be hall of fame material, she was mega impressive when getting the better of a Willie Mullins hot pot, Mystic Theatre, who re-opposes, by no less than 11 lengths last time out.
That was on a softer surface, and her breeding suggests she be even better on the ground at Punchestown today.
Hopefully she'll sign off a winning day for me at the office.

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