Robbie Power previews Grade 1 action at opening day of Punchestown
Ahead of the Punchestown Festival this week, Boylesports has caught up with Robbie Power to discuss the three Grade 1s on the opening day of action on Tuesday.
The legendary jockey started off by stating that he thought Willie Mullins got it wrong in his assessment of Facile Vega's Cheltenham disappointment.
“I think Facile Vega can bounce back from finishing second in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. Willie Mullins was quite critical of Paul Townend after that, but I disagreed with Willie.
“I thought Paul gave him a good ride – he did nothing wrong and was beaten by the better horse on the day.
“I know Il Etait Temps beat him at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown, but I fully expect Facile Vega to reverse the form. The big danger might be stablemate Diverge, who was third in the Supreme. Slower ground may suit him.”
Plain sailing For Energumene
“The first two Grade 1s of the week are going to be about Willie Mullins and he has four of the six runners in the Champion Chase.
“It should be plain sailing for Energumene. Magic Daze (Henry De Bromhead) and Rebel Gold (Pat Foley) are good horses in their own right, but on ratings fall way behind Energumene, Blue Lord, and Gentleman De Mee. The latter might be the main danger, but for me Gentleman De Mee is much better going left-handed and wants faster ground. So everything is stacking up for Energumene.”
Three-mile journey will suit
“Journey With Me was a good winner on his last start at Naas. If stepping up to three miles brings about the improvement we hope, he can win this and I think he will be better over three.
“Appreciate It and Sir Gerhard have both been busy – they’ve been to Cheltenham and Fairyhouse, while Journey With Me comes in fresh.
Prospect in Bumper
“In the last race I’m looking forward to seeing Downmexicoway for Peter Fahey. He was very impressive when he won his point-to-point. Derek O’Connor is booked to ride him and he’s a four-year-old who could be a very nice horse to look forward to next season.”
Missing Punchestown
“I’m going to miss not riding at Punchestown – it’s always been a Festival that’s been very lucky for me. Jessica Harrington was always successful there and being stable jockey meant success for me - I’ve won the majority of the big races there and I was leading rider twice.
“I had a hip replacement done last Tuesday so I won’t even be attending this year, but I’ll be watching from the couch taking things easy and enjoying a fantastic week’s racing.”