Paul Townend previews his rides on day two of the Punchestown Festival, including Al Boum Photo in the Gold Cup

I have two rides on Wednesday, both in Grade 1 races.

I have gone for Galopin Des Champs (17:20) in the 3m Novice Hurdle.

He was so impressive at Cheltenham. He is unknown over the trip but he wasn’t stopping over two and a half miles in the Martin Pipe.

I have gone against Stattler, but Galopin is the joint top-rated horse in the race. He probably will have to improve to beat Vanillier, who was so impressive in the three mile equivalent of this in Cheltenham.

We have to step up from a handicap, but I think he can. He looks a horse that is going the right way.

Al Boum Photo (17:55) picked himself as my ride in the Gold Cup. He wasn’t good enough for Minella Indo and it’s a shame we won’t be able to have another crack at him.

Clan Des Obeaux adds a bit of spice to the race and you can’t rule out Kemboy who has beaten Al Boum Photo in this race before.

Al Boum Photo will have to find a bit of improvement from Cheltenham. I think he marginally underperformed on the day. His jumping could have been better in the last mile of the race.

He is a dual Gold Cup winner and having had only two runs this season could have a slight freshness advantage.

Paul

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