Balder could be Punchestown bound The Punchestown Festival will be under consideration for Balder Succes as well as Cheltenham and Aintree after his triumph in the Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick on Saturday. By winning well Balder Succes staked his claim for the Racing Post Arkle Trophy at Prestbury Park, in which trainer Alan King already has a strong contender in Valdez. However, King reports the gelding's owners are enthusiastic about running their six-year-old at the other two main Festivals later in the spring. "Wayne (Hutchinson) was very pleased with Balder Succes, who put the race to bed with some brilliant jumps down the back straight," the Barbury Castle handler told his website. "He is a great little lepper and has won three of his five races over fences, so he has the experience for Cheltenham, though I will sit down and talk to the owners before making a final decision as I know that they are keen on both Aintree and Punchestown."
