Dunguib may take on the big guns

PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL:CHAMPION DUNGUIB could attempt to end the season on a winning note against older horses in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.

After his shock odds-on defeat at Cheltenham, trainer Philip Fenton initially indicated Dunguib was likely to run against other novices’ at Punchestown.

However, Fenton yesterday reintroduced the possibility of his stable star racing out of novice class for the first time.

“Dunguib is still in one piece and still very talented so we’re still considering the championship race at Punchestown.

“Binocular is likely to be on his summer holidays, Go Native is already a non-runner and I’m sure others will be missing so it will be worth looking at it and the champion novice hurdle equally,” he said.

“With three weeks of weather to go until the meeting the going is anyone’s guess, but it probably won’t be quick. That also has to enter calculations and the important thing is that he signs off on a winning note,” Fenton added in his Racing Post blog.

“Dunguib is in genuinely good form. He had about two weeks without a saddle and has come back into light work bright and well.”