RACING fan Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) picks out his best bet from Saturday's action.
2:10 Punchestown | AtTheRaces
The Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle looks a really high-class renewal with the Grade 1-winning Mengli Khan the likely favourite. However, he takes on two exciting Willie Mullins inmates and this is likely to be anything but straight forward for him.
Mengli Khan ran twice as a juvenile last year and on neither occasion did he look like being a world beater. But given some time off to grow, he's returned better than ever and won three in a row, including the Royal Bond. He was in contention when running out last time and looks the one to beat, however this is a good race and he's conceding weight to the others.
Getabird is a fragile sort but is yet to taste defeat in three starts. He won well on his hurdle debut last time and he looks worth his place here. Rich Ricci is desperate for a star with his better horses having a poor season and he may well be the one but I think he has run into one from the same stable.
Carter Mckay (10/1 Betfair) was ante-post favourite for the Champion Bumper last season but ran poorly in it and the Punchestown equivalent. I'm prepared to let him off with that and I have a feeling he has a liking for soft ground.
He was incredibly impressive on his hurdles debut looking very strong at the finish and I think at the odds he is the play against the two at the head of the betting.
Best Bets
2:10 Punchestown – Carter Mckay (10/1 each-way Betfair)
