COLREEVY spectacularly upset the odds to land the Champion Novice Chase on day one of the Punchestown Festival.
It was supposed to be between the short-price duo of Monkfish and Envoi Allen to win – but Danny Mullins had other ideas on board 7/1 shot Colreevy.
Monkfish came home in second but it was another disaster for Envoi Allen who was pulled up.
1st: Colreevy 7-1
2nd: Monkfish 10-11
Fell : Franco De Port
Pulled up: Envoi Allen
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Templegate’s Day Two Tips
3.40
MT LEINSTER GOLD has been impressive in winning both starts and has lots of staying power.
Top claimer Jordan Gainford can steer her to another victory.
Isotope improved when fourth at Fairyhouse and has more to offer too.
Stand Off was in winning form there last time when seeing out this longer distance really well.
He can take another step forward. Low Lie The Fields won on his last visit here and is another for the shortlist.
4.15
FEELGOOD ISLAND went close in a Wexford handicap last time after running well over this trip at Navan.
This is a hot contest but he can hit the frame again.
Born Patriot won here on debut and has run three decent races since, including at Navan latest.
He has lots of staying power. Calthor looks a threat after blitzing his rivals at Ballinrobe by eight lengths. He should be right there again.
Heather Rocco didn’t have a lot to beat at Limerick last month but did it well and comes from the in-form partnership.
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4.50
PANDA BOY was unlucky to finish only seventh in a big field at Fairyhouse last time.
He was stopped a couple of times and was a good winner here on debut so this track and dropping in trip will suit.
Blue Sari was heading for a place in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham before falling at the last.
He likes it here and can bounce back. Fighter Allen will enjoy dropping in trip after finishing third in a Grade 3 over this distance, while stablemate Marajman looked good before his break and a market move would be telling on comeback.
5.20
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS was an easy winner of the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham and can handle this hike in grade. He clocked a fast time and has more to come.
Telmesomethinggirl also won at the Festival, this time in the Dawn Run. She was equally as impressive and looks a real threat.
Vanillier has a Grade 1 to his name after taking last month’s Albert Barlett. He is proven at the trip and has major claims again.
5.55
CLAN DES OBEAUX ran arguably his best ever race when winning the Betway Bowl at Aintree in first-time cheekpieces last time.
That prompted Paul Nicholls to shell out the supplementary fee to run him here.
He stays well and, if the headgear works again, he can strike.
Al Boum Photo has yet to win here after three visits but he was a gallant third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and looks a major threat.
With doubts about Fakir D’Oudairies staying, last year’s winner Kemboy can take third.
6.30
SIR GERHARD got the better of Kilcruit in a right ding-dong for the Cheltenham Champion Bumper and there won’t be much between them again.
The gap was closing up the hill but the tip just had a bit more toe when needed and was always holding on.
Presumably Patrick Mullins had the pick of the Mullins pair.
O’Toole was impressive when winning on debut at Fairyhouse by 15 lengths in February and can fill the podium.
7.00
MINELLA TIL DAWN was a game winner at Naas before a late mistake proved costly at Gowran when fourth last time.
He stays well, has a top 7lb claimer on board and won’t mind if there’s a little cut in the ground.
Livelovelaugh was brilliant over the big Aintree fences when winning the Topham last time.
It was just 19 days ago but, if he’s in the same form, he’ll be right there.
Embittered was well backed for the Grand Annual at Cheltenham before falling and has Grade 1 form so could bounce back.
7.35
GRANGEE drops in class after her excellent sixth in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper.
She won a Leopardstown Grade 2 before that which sets the standard.
Glan had a bit up her sleeve when winning here last time and comes here fresh after eight months off.
Stablemate Hollymount is better than we saw behind the tip last time and the first-time hood can help.
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