Gordon Elliott: My thoughts on Rocky Wednesday and Soweheard at Ballinrobe on Tuesday night

Paul Carberry takes the ride on both Gordon's runners

Punchestown brought the curtain down on a superb 2012/13 National Hunt season on Saturday for Cullentra House Stables, and Gordon Elliott sends his first two runners of the new season to Ballinrobe on Tuesday evening. Read the Betfair Ambassador's exclusive views on the chances of his two runners here...

18:25 Ballinrobe - Rocky Wednesday

He can be a bit of quirky character at times, but there is no doubt that on a going day he has a lot of ability. His two runs, after an excellent second in the Boylesports Hurdle at Leopardstown, were quite disappointing but he bounced back and ran an encouraging race at Wexford on St. Patrick's Day, finishing fourth of 12 runners behind Gates Of Rome only beaten 9 lengths at the line. That race was over 2m4f and that might just stretch his stamina on heavy ground so we are dropping him back to two miles today with the ground forecast to be in a similar condition as Wexford. 

On ratings he looks to have quite a bit to do still as the handicapper left him unchanged on a mark of 121 after the race at Wexford and he'll need to improve. With the likes of Byerley Babe, recent Punchestown winner Beau Michael and Donal Coffey's Top Madam all in opposition today he looks to have a stiff task.

Paul Carberry is booked to take the ride this evening, and I'd be hopeful that if he puts in a similar performance to his run at Wexford that he could grab a place, but he's not one to put full confidence in as he never seems to run the same race twice. 

18:55 Ballinrobe - Soweheard

He's done well in point-to-points and had his first run in that sphere at the start of the year which he managed to win at Nenagh, keeping on nicely for Jamie Codd at the finish to register at two length victory. He won another point at Maralin in March, and then fell in his next two points when starting as favourite. His last outing was at Loughbrickland earlier this month, where he finished second only beaten two lengths in the end when sent off favourite. This will be his first start under rules, and having had plenty of point-to-point experience at this stage I'd be hoping that will stand him in good stead today. 

All of his point-to-points have been over three miles, and with this race being run over 2m4f I'd be hopeful that the drop back in trip won't be an inconvenience for him. Some of his pointing form has worked out quite well subsequently, with a few horses that were in behind him going on to run some nice races under rules.

He appreciates a bit of give in the ground, so the forecast soft to heavy ground shouldn't pose any issues, and I think he has conditions in his favour to run a nice race.  We have Paul Carberry booked to take the ride too, and if this horse can overcome his lack of experience under rules I think he could run well.