Punchestown Festival: All eyes on Douvan the destroyer

An official rating of 169 gives Douvan 18lb and upwards in hand on his rivals; so, granted a clear round, this looks his for the taking.

The only worry is that the race may be one too many, as has proved the case already this week with stable companions Vautour and Yorkhill running below par and getting turned over when sent off odds-on favourites at this year’s Punchestown Festival.

However, Douvan has so much in hand on ratings that he could in theory under-perform significantly and still be good enough to land the spoils.

The Game Changer the forecast choice

It looks to be a case of who will make the forecast spot, and The Game Changer looks the most likely candidate.

Although no match for Douvan at Aintree, the Gordon Elliott trained seven-year-old stuck to the task well and pulled 18 lengths clear of the third home Fox Norton who has since come out and won to give the form a solid look.

The Game Changer also comes into the race a relatively fresh horse having had just two starts after a 152 day break, and is a consistent sort who always gives it his best shot.

Any rain would hinder the son of Arcadio’s chances but, if the ground stays in his favour, a big run looks on the cards.

Related

There’s more Punchestown Festival race previews on our dedicated page.

Coral’s top tip: Douvan is in a different league to his rivals and impossible to oppose. The Game Changer can fill the forecast spot.