Punchestown Form Bodes Well For Djakadam

Willie Mullins got off to a great start at Punchestown yesterday and things could get even better for the Carlow based trainer on day two of the meeting with some more strong chances in the Grade Ones.

Djak to be the Trump Card
The Punchestown Gold Cup may lack the first two home from the Cheltenmham race but this is ultra competitive and a chance is taken on Djakadam to reign supreme here after being placed in the last couple of renewals of the race.

Djakadam’s Punchestown form is probably better than most of his efforts elsewhere and although he didn’t make the frame in Cheltenham like he did before, this could be the day he puts it all together at Punchestown with worries over some of his rivals.

Stable companions Bellshill and Total Recall have run in the Irish and English Grand Nationals respectively which could have taken its toll and Killultagh Vic is yet to prove he jumps well enough to win at this elite level over fences so he is another that would be hard to back.

Road To Respect has the best form having finished closest to Native River at Cheltenham but there is a fear that may have left a mark and if the track does get any more rain that would be a concern. Djakadam can just shade this.

Next big thing
It’s great to have Colin Tizzard bringing a team to Punchestown and Vision Des Flos ran with credit in the Herald Champion Novice Hurdle and today he has Albert Bartlett winner Kilbricken Storm to go to war with.

However, Ballymore Hurdle third placer Next Destination is trusted to give Mullins another good start.

Next Destination had to settle for minor honours behind Samcro and Black Op and that form has been franked by Black Op winning at Aintree and if Next Destination is at his best, he should be hard to beat as he steps up to three miles.

Recommended Bets:
Next Destination 7/4 – 4.55 Punchestown
Djakadam 7/1 – 5.30 Punchestown

*Prices correct at time of publication