THE Grangebeg Beginners Chase at Punchestown this afternoon seems to present Penndara, an entry for the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival, with an ideal opportunity to register his first victory over fences.
This improving eight year old, who appeared to dwarf the rest of the field for Leopardstown's Arkle Trophy, was the only serious challenger to the English raider, Mulligan, after Danoli's early departure. Jumping extremely well, he stayed in contention until a mistake two out ended his chances.
Rocketts Castle, Scenic Route and Fontaine Fables, who finished in that order behind Penndara's stable companion, Corket, at Navan, should make this a truly competitive event, which Penndara would almost certainly have to win if he is to justify a rematch with Mulligan at Cheltenham.
By far the most interesting race on the card is the opening Red Bog Hurdle, for which three talented performers, Derrymoyle, Antapoura and Guest Performance, are among the four declared. Last year's winner, Derrymoyle, is at his best over this distance and as he had "respiratory problems" on his most recent start, that lacklustre display is best forgotten.
The forcing tactics adopted on What A Question at Leopardstown at Christmas meant that Antapoura never looked like catching the Morris runner on what appeared beforehand extremely advantageous terms. Perhaps today's shorter distance will be more to her liking.
Guest Performance ran quite well under a big weight in the Ladbroke, finishing eight of the 22 finishers. He is a progressive sort and might make his speed tell in the closing stages, especially if this contest is run at a sedate pace.
