3.40 Punchestown – La Touche Cup Blog

The La Touche Cup is no place for guesswork. Over 4m1f and 35 fences, this is a proper cross-country test where proven course form, jumping rhythm and stamina matter more than reputation.

The HRB TimeWise Master ratings point strongly towards Vanillier, who sits clear at the top on 317.6. That matters. Rank 1 has to be taken seriously, especially in a race where the main dangers also have questions to answer. Vanillier has already shown he handles this unique Punchestown layout, winning here in February before running a solid third at the Cheltenham Festival. He unseated in this race last year, but that looks more like a one-off mishap than a reason to oppose him.

The Comment Shaper adds further support. There is no obvious front-runner, but enough prominent racers to create pressure behind the pace. That should suit a horse who can travel, stay and finish. Vanillier is marked as a strong finisher and has the tactical flexibility to sit close enough without being dragged into a battle too soon.

Desertmore House is the obvious danger. He is HRB Rank 2, was second in this race last year and won over the Punchestown banks in November. However, his Cheltenham run was poor and Timeform’s warning that he has traded short before finding less than expected is a concern.

The Goffer will be staying on, but this extreme trip is a doubt. Busselton, last year’s winner, gets blinkers back on and has the Enda Bolger factor, but his recent profile is not as strong.

This looks a race where the obvious one is the right one. Vanillier has the best rating, the right course form, a suitable race shape and the strongest overall claims.

Selection: Vanillier
Confidence: Strong