Punchestown Festival: Alpha Des Obeaux holds all the aces in Stayers Hurdle

Connections also decided to bypass Aintree to keep Alpha Des Obeaux fresh for this, and a repeat of his Cheltenham Festival run should be more than good enough to land the spoils.

Improving Diamond King merits respect

Shaneshill did as well as could be expected when second to Thistlecrack at Aintree, but comes into the race on the back of two gruelling efforts and that has already proved the downfall of some big names at this end of season Punchestown meeting.

For that reason, and should Alpha Des Obeaux fail to live up to expectations, Diamond King could be the one to take advantage.

The Gordon Elliott trained eight-year-old has won four of his nine starts over hurdles and shown progressive form this season.

After scoring in good style by 3 3/4 lengths from Jennies Jewel over 2m 4f at this venue, Diamond King posted a career-best effort last time out when landing the ultra-competitive 26-runner Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival by a cosy 1 1/4 lengths.

The latter was a most taking performance and, although this represents a big step up in class, Diamond King is on a serious upward curve and looks one to keep onside.

Related

You’ll find more Punchestown Festival betting tips and race previews on our dedicated page.

Coral’s top tip: Alpha Des Obeax has the strongest form in the book and rates a solid bet. The rapidly improving Diamond King can chase him home.