punchestown looks a funny card to work out today.
allure of illusion should win but dont fancy it at all at that price, never been this far before and on probable bottomless ground.
simenon definitely more unexposed than joxer and trifolium but its the latter with the form in the book, looked to be cantering and momentarily had so young in a bit of bother last time but didnt find much when asked to take the initiative.
big zeb and sizing looks a match race, doubt either trainer will want their horse to have too hard of a race with the cc only 5 weeks away, especially as sizing has already had a slog and a properly ran race already this season. noble prince hardly advertised big zeb's form a fortnight ago and looks purely a watching brief.
scotsirish should win but surely this will just be a pipeopener to give him more experience over this type of course before the festival. the sands of time appear to be catching up with old garde champetre and he will make sure scotsirish has something to think about.
think i'll leave it. roll on newbury.
first and last bet for me this weekend, tenner on newcastle at 6/5. got enough options in the squad to create chances, as mcleish will hardly have his lot going gung-ho down our end.