Paul Townend gives us his thoughts on a busy two days at Punchestown

I have three rides at Punchestown starting with Authorized Art (12.15). He won well at Punchestown on his first run for us but was very disappointing at Galway.

He hasn’t been seen since then but hopefully he can get backon track here. He looks to have a nice rating here. It is a competitive racewith Poisedon, Popong, and Anything Will Do setting the standard.

However, I hope we can return to winning ways and show a bitof sparkle.

My next ride is Faugheen in a Beginners Chase (12.50). It is very exciting to get him over fences. His schooling has been very good and he has experience of running in a point-to-point.

Last season was frustrating for him but hopefully fences canrekindle the spark. It’s not going to be a straightforward assignment for himbut if he shows any of his old ability, he will be hard to beat.

My third ride is Klassical Dream in the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle (2pm). An exciting season awaits him hopefully. Saldier and Sharjah will probably give him the most to do.

Sharjah won the race last season but was fit from runningduring the summer. He hasn’t been seen since being brought down.

Saldier is a very high class horse who was going to run avery big race in Naas when he fell last year. He got injured and wasn’t seenfor the rest of the year. With that, I hope we can get Klassical Dream off to awinning start here.

On Sunday I am back at Punchestown, where I start off on Stormy Ireland in the Mares Hurdle (1.05).

She was a very high class mare last year and ran a crackerat Cheltenham, finishing second. She looks to set the standard here.

Eglantine Du Seuil and Barra probably have to step up to herlevel. It is exciting to get her back on track here. She is well treated by the race conditions and hopefully shewill have a good season ahead of her.

Next, I ride Oscars Den (1.40) for Ted Walsh. He looks up against it though. On his best form he would have a chance. The small field should suit him and hopefully he can run into a place.

Enfant Du Mou (2.15) is a nice horse who won an English point-to-point. His schooling has been very good at home.

There are plenty of point-to-point winners in the race butit’s nice to get him on the track and to see what he can do.

Sayo (2.50) was impressive winning at Galway but was anything but impressive at Cork the last day. He flopped big time and his jumping leaves a lot to be desired.

Paul.