Festival Fancy For Wednesday

An exciting days action on Tuesday, with Douvan probably the most impressive performer on show. Mallowney looked the winner all over in the big one until his run flattened out in the closing stages. That's twice in a row now and I wonder was he over the top after a long, hard but very successful  season. Felix Yonger was a worthy winner, but major kudos has to go to Baily Green who produced a career best performance in finishing a gallant second. Don Poli was a huge let down for favourite backers, but I have little sympathy for those steaming in at silly prices, especially when Gigginstown are running three in a five runner race. How often do we see the second and third strings winning? I don't have the stats at hand but i'm sure they would make for interesting reading.
Wednesday sees another three Grade 1s as well as a couple of competitive handicaps. There is one horse in particular that has caught my eye, and it goes in the opener.

3.40 Punchestown Handicap Hurdle 2m4f

There will be 25 horses going to post in this race, and as ever there are many with claims. The one I think has a right chance at a decent price is Seskinane. This lightly raced 9 year old has some serious form in the book. First past the post against On His Own, beating him 8l, but disqualified to 2nd for dangerous riding. Only 12l or so behind Don Poli in February 2014 while conceding 3lbs. He was given an RPR of 136 for that run. Ran to a similar level behind Rule The World too, beaten only 3l even if he was getting alomst two stone from the winner. This sort of form is a cut above anything else on offer in this race. He only made his handicap debut at Leopardstown last Christmas, running a respectable race over 3m, a trip that stretches him,off a mark of 126.
His next run came at Fairyhouse, off a  reduced mark of 123, after being freshened up with a 99 day break, and this is the run that sparked my interest. He travelled well up to about half a mile from home, settled in about 9th or 10th place, before the jockey started pushing. He made a sweeping move around the outside, showing a neat turn of foot and moved up into about third jumping two out. He failed to sustain his effort up the home straight and came home in fifth. I think this was a very encouraging run, and the further drop in trip tomorrow, combined with better ground, should result in this horse running a big race. A bit of luck is always required in a race like this, but if he gets it he will be there or thereabouts at the rewarding current odds of 25/1 (ladbrokes)

Selection: Seskinane e/w 25/1.