9th December 2012

Four of seven winners today, with the four combining for a 13/1 accumulator will hopefully have meant that it was a profitable day for you. There was of course the immense performance of Sprinter Sacre, but I will fully analyse that during the week on Cheltenham Watch 2013, along with the performances of others who caught the eye yesterday. Today the focus switches predominantly to Ireland where there is some top class racing again for us to get our teeth into.

14.00 Punchestown

Those who have been following the Twitter page and this blog will know I have already wagered on SIR DES CHAMPS to land the feature race of the day. It really is a tough one to decipher, but all things considered I am very happy with him. Yes Flemenstar may be arriving in good form and racefit, but one thing that has not been lacking in Willie Mullins' horse this year is fitness when they reach the track, and this looks set to be a successful reappearance today. Rubi Light, last year's winner, should ensure this is raced at a good gallop, and I think that plays to the selection's strength who on his Jewson performance, is so impressive over a well run two and a half miles. The going should also be no problem and make this a stern test and I think Sir Des Champs will deal with this test more than Flemenstar. Bog Warrior is no rank outsider either but has a bit to find with the other three. 15/8 Stan James

13.45 Cork

As usual, there are some big names in this Grade 2 affair, arguably none more so than Realt Dubh who tops the racecard. However I think he has a big task conceding weight to his rivals today, especially over this shorter trip. Blazing Tempo always runs well and should put up a brave show here against the boys, but I think the race boils down to Foildubh and DAYS HOTEL, with the latter preferred who looks to have the scope to improve and is being very carefully raced. He only reached the track twice last year and won on both occasions and looks set to capitalise here. 4/1 several

14.15 Cork

TARLA may be a short price but she looks set to become one of the leading Mares out there, and whilst in Novice company is hard to ignore. She won with such ease last time that conceding weight here should be no problem and the form has been franked since. She's a worth favourite. 4/9 several

13.55 Kelso

KNOCKARA BEAU, 6th in last year's Gold Cup, has rightly taken the step down to handicap company this year, and should have the class to concede weight and outsmart his rivals around a course he clearly enjoys. This is a good prize and his trainer will not be looking to be beat with his horse this year, instead hoping to win some prize money after performing so admirably in defeat last year. 11/8 Boylesports, BlueSq, 888sport

Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer