As Punchestown approaches - I’m going to take a closer look at some of the horses that will be participating in this coming event.

The latest speculations are whether Fiveforthree will live up to the Cheltenham Festival victory when he races at the Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.  I’m convinced that the true test in this case will be distance.  This Punchestown contest is over the minimum distance - and while some horses have better successes in the shorter distance races - these longer reaces are a true test, and can mix things up a bit.

 Fiveforthree’s handler doesn’t seem too concerned, as reflected in his comments to AtTheRaces.com:

“He’s always shown us plenty of pace at home so stepping back in trip is not too much of a concern.  He hasn’t had a hard year.  This will only be his third run of the season and he’s had a month since Cheltenham.”

Our first reaction, of course, is to question whether lack of recent experience and hardship is something that should bring confidence.  I’ve always found it much easier, as a punter, to properly calculate my bidding pattern based on past history.  The more history - the better. 

Reports are indicating at the moment that the stiff competition comes from Jered (McManus-owned six-year-old), and Cork All Star is another making headlines.  Jered’s trainer, Noel Meade, had his own comments about past past hardship:

“It’s easy enough to pick holes in his race at Fairyhouse, as it might not have been the best in the world, but he couldn’t have done it any easier. He quickened up really well and he did everything great.”

As the saying goes, “It isn’t whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.”  Well with horse-racing, it’s both how you play the game, and whether you win or lose.

My advice - when planning for your bids on the next big race, ignore the wins and losts for the most part, and focus instead on performance, track history, and as many details as you can learn surrounding the horse.

Insider knowledge is always nice - of course.