Folsom Blue Returns To National Trial

The BoyleSports Grand National Trial is the feature race of the day at Punchestown on Sunday and with a Grade 1 winner topping the weights, last year’s winner and a Cheltenham Festival winner, it looks like a vintage renewal.

Blue Day Elliott

Not often does a horse return to win a race for the second time with a four year gap but Folsom Blue may just prove to be the solution to the National Trial.

Gordon Elliott’s veteran made a winning debut over hurdles for the trainer earlier in the season and ran an absolute blinder at Sandown last weekend…

..and despite that bold showing, it is that run which causes the only concern.

The 11-year-old only running last Saturday in the UK is not ideal but Elliott wouldn’t be running him back if he didn’t feel he was in good order as there would be plenty of important prize money to pick up with him later in the season.

A course and distance winner is a big thing over a gruelling marathon like this today and Folsom Blue could hardly be in better form, so he’s picked to turn over Mall Dini and Childrens List.

Another winner for Power

BoyleSports ambassador Robbie Power may also be among the winners at Punchestown on Sunday as Another Barney looks capable of winning the listed novice hurdle on the card.

Another Barney impressed, albeit winning a weak looking maiden at Naas..

..but he was on his hurdling debut that day he can be expected to improve for that effort. If he can find an extra bit of improvement, he should be able to account for this field. Hardline and Riders Onthe Storm will set a fair benchmark but Another Barney looks a smart type and hopefully he can prove that here.