Tornedo to leave his mark

TORNEDO SHAY can use all of his experience to secure a Grade One pot at Punchestown this evening in the Paddy Power Champion Bumper.

Co Tipperary-based trainer Thomond O’Mara has kept Tornedo Shay in reserve for this contest since his last run in December, but despite that gap the five-year-old comes here with six races under his belt.

Compared to the likes of Tavern Times and Shot From The Hip, that gives Tornedo Shay a substantial advantage in experience, and the evidence of his career is that he is also best fresh.

A winner on his debut last season, and also on his first start this term, Tornedo Shay was beaten at 1 to 3 at Navan in December, but that was by the highly-rated Drumbaloo.

The sole cross-sea runner today is Caught By Witness, but his form ties in with Cue Card, who destroyed the Irish team at Cheltenham when a major gamble on Shot From The Hip went astray.

The Coolmore-owned horse returned lame in his shoulder after that and has substantial ground to make up on Tavern Times, who did best of these at Cheltenham in fourth. However, in a competitive heat, Tornedo Shay looks to have a lot in his favour.

Willie Mullins runs Up Ou That in the Bumper, but the champion trainer’s best chance today could come in the opening Opportunity Handicap Hurdle with the lightly-weighted Sivota.

The six-year-old was heavily backed on his first start for Mullins at Fairyhouse a couple of weeks ago, and considering he dropped out and was 11th before the second-last flight, he ran on well to finish fourth. Sivota has an extra half mile today, which should suit, and Emmett Mullins on his back, so this looks a good opportunity for him.

Mullins has a couple of shots at the Grade Three novice hurdle over three miles, but this may see a reversal of form from Fairyhouse with Rigour Back Bob getting his own back on the topweight Magnanimity. Rigour Back Bob is 6lb better at the weights with the horse who beat him a fortnight ago and ground conditions will be very different this time.

Son Amix boasts some smart form, including a fourth to Sanctuaire at Cheltenham, and can take the four-year-old hurdle.