Nap of the Day: Hat-trick seeker runs at Punchestown

There are three meetings scheduled to take place on Sunday.

Ireland’s meeting from Punchestown is the best on offer and there are a couple of Listed races to look forward to, including the Grand National Trial. 

14:30 Punchestown

14:30 Punchestown - The Lovely Man @ 4/1

Sunday’s Nap runs in the day’s main event and the Gavin Cromwell-trained The Lovely Man is seeking a hat-trick after winning his last two and is well set to oblige.

Gavin Cromwell hasn’t had the greatest of seasons by his exceptional standards, but he’s one of Ireland’s best jumps trainers and always worth considering in the bigger races.

There are few better at training staying handicap chasers than Cromwell and the hat-trick-seeking THE LOVELY MAN. Trying a marathon trip for the first time here, it’s quite possible that the best is yet to come.

He began his career with Colm Murphy but was unable to win in 12 starts over hurdles and fences. Starting off over fences at Naas on stable debut for Cromwell, he produced an improved effort to finish third over 2m4f on soft ground.

Improvement seemed likely next time, as he shaped like he needed the run, and that proved to be the case when getting off the mark over three miles at Navan the following month. Patiently ridden in the early stages, he stayed on strongly to score by five lengths.

The handicapper responded with a 10lb rise, so connections made the decision to send him back over hurdles at Gowran last month, and he managed to follow up. He sees his races out well over three miles, so the extended 3m3f trip shouldn’t be a problem.

There could be more to come now back over fences and the seven-year-old looks like one to keep on side until his limitations are exposed.

Stablemate Born Braver is also popular in the betting and Eoin Staples’ 5lb claim could prove valuable. Gordon Elliott has been flying along this season and Jack Kennedy will be on board last time out winner Lucky Lyreen, who can also progress over fences.

However, Cromwell has landed a couple of winners over the last few days, and it would be no surprise if the Lovely Man completes his hat-trick and adds to his trainer’s tally.

Nap Of The Day with Betfred Insights.