Punchestown Wednesday preview: View from connections
By Sporting Life
British raider Clan Des Obeaux primed
Paul Nicholls is hoping for a bold show from
Clan Des Obeaux as he clashes with Al Boum Photo in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup.
The sole British challenger certainly has the right credentials to mix it with the best of the Irish – and was right back to his very best when winning by 26 lengths at Aintree this month.
However, he will face a completely different test to the one he passed that day.
“He won well at Aintree the other day, but he has obviously won the King George twice – and going right-handed seems to suit him better,” said Nicholls. “He’s a much more mature horse now. Cheltenham doesn’t suit him at all – that race and the ground at the time. This is much better for him.
Punchestown Gold Cup: Al Boum Photo pleasing Mullins, but faces strong opposition
Tue 27 Apr 2021
Al Boum Photo has an enhanced opportunity to add the Ladbrokes PunchestownGold Cup to his two famous Cheltenham titles.
Willie Mullins’ dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero had to settle for third behind Minella Indo last month in his quest to join the most select group of racing greats as a three-time winner.
There will be no Minella Indo in his way on Wednesday, though, after trainer Henry de Bromhead ruled the eight-year-old out of his scheduled final run of the season because of a bruised foot.