I’ve been studying Paul Townend’s rides for this Sunday at Naas, and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you punters looking to make some profit this weekend. You can read more about Paul Townend’s rides here
Let me start with Mon Creuset in the opener. I really like the look of this one. He’s a fine, big horse that won a 1m4f Maiden at Nantes on soft ground before joining the Mullins yard. Paul mentions he’s been doing everything right at home, which is always a positive sign from a Mullins runner. When Paul says, “I like my horse a lot,” that’s something I pay close attention to. These little hints from jockeys can be gold dust for us punters. Lynches Knock has already won, but I fancy Mon Creuset to make a winning start for the yard.
Paul Townend on Mon Creuset’s chances this Sunday
“The first of my four rides is on Mon Creuset , a fine, big horse who was picked up after winning the 1m4f Maiden at Nantes on soft ground. We have three in the race and in these circumstances it’s hard to be certain I’m on the best of them, but it’s the kind of race where we’ll know more afterwards. “
Next up is Karbau in the Grade 3 Limestone Lad Hurdle. I’ve followed this horse’s career closely, and he’s a tough, consistent performer. His third in the Top Novices at Aintree was a cracking run. The concern here is the long absence – he’s making his seasonal reappearance, and Paul admits some of theirs have needed a run to hit form. I’d be a bit cautious with my money here, despite his obvious ability. Farren Glory and Glen Kiln look the dangers, with the latter having fitness on his side. This looks more like a race to watch for future clues than one to wade in with your hard-earned cash.
Paul Townend on Karbau’s chances this Sunday
“The Grade 3 Limestone Lad Hurdle (13:25) looks a great race. I’m on Karbau , who makes his seasonal reappearance after a while off the track. He’s a bonny horse, though coming off a break isn’t ideal. Obviously, some of ours have taken a run to hit full form, although they’ve been better of late. He was a good, tough, consistent performer last year. His best run was probably at Aintree when third in the Top Novices Grade 1. “
Did I Ask You That in the Maiden Hurdle is one I’m struggling to fancy. I’ve watched his recent efforts, and Paul’s assessment that he’s been “disappointing” is spot on. An eight-year-old maiden hurdler tells its own story, despite showing plenty at home. His run behind The Big Westerner at Punchestown offers a glimmer of hope, but Arcadian Emperor looks the one to beat here. If you’re having a bet in this race, I’d be looking elsewhere unless the market speaks strongly in his favour.
Paul Townend on Did I Ask You That’s chances this Sunday
“I ride Did I Ask You That in the Maiden Hurdle (13:55). He’s been disappointing, I suppose, when you look at the fact he’s an eight-year-old maiden hurdler, but that doesn’t tell the full story as his owners have been very patient with him. He weakened tamely at Tramore the last day, so he’s going to have to put his best foot forward here. If you go back far enough there’s a nice run behind The Big Westerner at Punchestown. He shows us plenty at home, too. Arcadian Emperor goes over obstacles for the first time and looks the one we have to beat.”
I’m most excited about Argento Boy in the Novice Chase. This consistent stayer picked up the pieces at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve when Paul parted company with Ballygunner Castle. What I love about this horse is his staying power – Paul emphasises he’ll handle the ground and trip, which will be crucial in testing conditions. The competition is solid with Lonesome Boatman, The Enabler and Blaze The Way in opposition, but I’m confident Argento Boy will run well. When Paul says, “I’m looking forward to riding him,” that’s another of those subtle clues I look for.
Paul Townend on Argento Boy’s chances this Sunday
“Argento Boy wraps up my four rides at Naas in the Novice Chase (15:25). He was there to pick up the pieces on New Year’s Eve under Danny Mullins after I’d departed on Ballygunner Castle at Punchestown. He’ll handle the ground and the trip, and he’s a consistent horse despite tipping up on his seasonal reappearance. The key point is he’s a stayer, and you’re going to have to stay well in this race in these conditions. There are some really good yardsticks in this race, too, with Lonesome Boatman, The Enabler and Blaze The Way. I really like the fact that mine was there at Punchestown to win that day and I’m looking forward to riding him.“
Want to improve your betting this Sunday? I’d suggest focusing on Mon Creuset and Argento Boy as the two most interesting rides from Paul’s book, though I’m not a pro horse racing tipster by any stretch. The middle two look trickier propositions, but that’s the beauty of National Hunt racing – form can turn around quickly.
I’ve put hours into studying these races, and my advice would be to watch the market closely on Sunday morning. If there’s strong support for any of Paul’s rides, particularly Mon Creuset, it could be significant.
Let me know how you get on if you follow any of these selections. I enjoy talking to my readers, and I’m always looking for ways to improve the website!