Ginger Joe - Punchestown Festival 2024 - Betting Tips for Day 4

Three Graded races ahead of the weekend action

As we head into Day 4 of the Punchestown Festival we have three really good Graded races to get stuck into and they are sure to be fascinating encounters to watch. We start off with the Mares’ Chase where it looks to be between the front two in the market Allegorie De Vassy, and Brides Hill, but potentially it could go either way.

After that, we have two Grade 1s to look at, starting with the Punchestown Champion Hurdle where State Man is looking for back to back wins in the race. He is going to be really hard to beat once again and will be aiming for his tenth Grade 1 victory. Then we have the Novice Hurdle, with Ballyburn looking like a banker to pull off the Cheltenham/Punchestown double. All in all, another great day of racing to look forward to.

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16:50 - The Mares’ Chase (Grade 2) 2m 4f - Brides Hill

The Mares’ Chase isn't the deepest of races but we do have a decent pair heading the betting. Allegorie De Vassy comes here after finishing fourth in the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham, where she finished just six lengths behind Limerick Lace, which is pretty good form. To me Allegorie De Vassy is an out and out two-miler, but she is fairly effective over this longer trip and she has to be fancied in a race that won't take much winning.

However, I’m siding with Gavin Cromwell's progressive mare Brides Hill who has been improving all season and it's possible that we haven't seen the best of her yet. She didn’t run at Cheltenham, so she comes here fresh and could just have enough in her to beat Allergorie De Vassy. Beyond those two, Willie Mullins is hedging his bets by entering Instit here, but she has had a very busy season, so unless something goes awry with the leading pair, I don’t really see her in the mix at the line.

GJ Verdict - Brides Hill

18:00 - The Boodles Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m - State Man

It’s a very poor turnout for the Champion Hurdle this year, but at least we get to see State Man and Irish Point go head-to-head. State Man is the current Champion Hurdler and a nine-time Grade 1 winner. He is a very straightforward sort who just turns up and does his job every time.

On paper, Irish Point should be close, especially as he carries 11 lb less in weight. State Man only beat him by just over a length at Cheltenham, but he didn't look at his brilliant best that day. With the playing field levelled, it will be a cracking race to watch. Of the other two runners, Sir Gerhard has been tried over various distances of late, and his best form is over the two-mile trip, but I don’t rate his chances here and unfortunately, Colonel Mustard falls way short on class here too.

GJ Verdict - State Man

18:35 - The Champion Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f - Ballyburn

As always, the Novices’ Hurdle is a race that I am really interested in. This type of race gives me a glimpse into the future and a much clearer idea of where next season’s talent will emerge. Ballyburn is almost certain to win this renewal. He put on a flawless performance around Prestbury Park to win the Gallaghers Hurdle and he is certainly the most exciting Novice I’ve seen this season. He does have his critics due to his unusual head carriage, but it hasn't stopped him from galloping his rivals into submission. I am very excited to see him run in better company next year and he could be very special indeed.

Staffordshire Knot is a lovely animal, but would need to improve plenty to get anywhere near Ballyburn. He already has seven lengths to find with Brighterdaysahead, so he has 20 to find with Ballyburn if you look at the bare form. Mirazur West is the one most likely to finish second best here and Willie Mullins has been vocal about his return to form, so he is sure to run a big race. Jetara is the best of the mares’ in the race and she is a lovely animal, but she is way out of her depth here. Predators Gold could potentially outrun his odds here, but I’m fairly sure that Ballyburn will have this race sewn up two furlongs out.

GJ Verdict - Ballyburn

Betting tips for Day 4 at Punchestown

16:50 - Brides Hill
18:00 - State Man
18:35 - Ballyburn

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