Hi
Please see my one tip for Sunday:
Monoxide – 12.25 Punchestown – 2m 4F Handicap Hurdle – 66/1 Sky Paddy Power William Hill – 5 places – 1 Point Each Way
Monoxide originally ran on the flat and reached a good level in 10 starts up to 1m 7F, postmarking a high of 88 which included 1 win over 1m 2F.
He was sold in 2020 onto a small Irish yard for £15000 with a view to going jumping where, in his maidens, he was very novicey and raced quite freely which resulted in him running down the field on 5 occasions (in some strong maidens). He postmarked a high of 89 and was allocated an opening mark of 93.
He ran three times back on the flat but stopped very quickly on each occasion which looked very much like a breathing problem and was subsequently given a break.
He was off the track for 9 months, returning to action this September. On his second start over hurdles he was stepped up to 2m 4F and made eye catching headway to challenge the leaders at the second last only to unfortunately fall. That was off a mark of 87 and he followed that effort up to finish second in a 15 runner handicap.
Connections then ran him the following day and a further 3 more times in three weeks and his form unsurprisingly flattened out a little. Having said that he was only beaten 21 lengths last time out over 3 miles which might not have been ideal.
He has been given a 3 week break which will be enough time to properly recuperate, but still retain his fitness and I like they bring him back to 2m 4F where he showed his best form.
Monoxide has to run off 90, so is technically 7lb out of the handicap (official mark 83), but he has the assistance of promising apprentice Gavin Brouder who can claim 7lb, who can off set the 7lb wrong.
Considering he ran second off 87 on soft ground he must have a fair chance here. Especially with the ground faster, which will suit him better.
The market has overreacted to him being 7lb wrong and we can get a remarkable 66/1 with Sky, Paddy Power and William Hill, who offer 5 places.
I therefore recommend 1 point each way.
He is still value at 25/1.