Racecards
15:25 Punchestown (IRE)
Goffs Supporting Irish Stud & Stable Staff (Pro/Am) Flat Race
- 3 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Soft to Heavy
- Surface: Turf
- €11,000 added
- Winner: €6,775
- 2nd: €2,101
- 3rd: €1,002
- 4th: €450
- Form 5/5-
- Age 5
- Weight 11-7
- Trainer Barry J Murphy
- Jockey Mr P W Mullins
led, pressed approaching straight, soon pushed along and headed, dropped to last and no extra 1f out, one pace
Athenean (IRE)
207- Form 0-
- Age 4
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer N Meade
- Jockey Ms N Carberry
raced in 2nd, pushed along briefly on inner approaching straight, soon led, stayed on well inside final furlong
- Age 4
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer J P O'Brien
- Jockey Mr D O'Connor
raced behind leaders in rear, pushed along to challenge on outer straight, no impression and kept on same pace inside final furlong
In depth
Verdict
This should be a real tactical battle with three top riders in opposition. Patrick Mullins gets the ride on Cesar Du Gouet, though his mount was well beaten in a Leopardstown bumper last year and again in a point-to-point this March though both times attracting support. Nina Carberry is on board Athenean and Noel Meade's charge ran well enough on his debut in a huge field here in April to suggest he'll be winning soon. Derek O'Connor takes the ride on RHINESTONE for Joseph O'Brien and his mount, a son of Montjeu, should have more pace than his two rivals so gets the nod.
Formwatch
Cesar Du Gouet (FR) 4-1 (12-2) Ld, 15l clr by 4th, 10l adv 1/2way, red adv bef 2out & sn hdd, no ex in 3rd aft 2out, wknd straight, 5th of 8, 26 1/2l behind Sir Bob (12-2) at Lemonfield 3m mdn hvy in Mar.
Athenean (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) Raced in 10th early, one pace under pressure from before straight, 12th of 23, 8 3/4l behind Roaring Bull (11-7) at Punchestown 2m Good - Yielding in Apr.
Rhinestone (IRE) Montjeu gelding out of Apticanti.