POUNDING PADDY: Long Run has been well supported to empty Paddy Power’s pockets

The Punchestown Festival got off to a flyer yesterday with Sprinter Sacre making it 10 wins from 10 and Jezki getting some sweet revenge over Cheltenham hero Champagne Fever. The stage is set today for the Punchestown Gold Cup as Sir Des Champs takes on seven other runners including the incredibly consistent Long Run.

Paddy took a few serious hits on day one from Sacre, Moyle Park and Very Wood but he is bouncing back for more punishment on day two.

We’ve gone through the books to pick out the five horses that punters have pounded and could empty Paddy’s pockets before the day is done.

1. Ballycasey 5/6

4.55pm Novice Hurdle

Moyle Park was Willie Mullins’ only winner on day one of the Festival but he could have the first two home in this hurdle if Paddy’s book is to be believed. Ballycasey is the odds-on favourite after piles of cash for the unbeaten six-year-old. There are plenty of reasons for Paddy to be worried about this gee-gee, he’s unexposed, loves a bit of cut in the ground and has thrived since switching to hurdling. Ruby Walsh takes the ride as Paddy watches from behind his desk.

2. Sir Des Champs 2/1

5.30pm Punchestown Gold Cup

Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Sir Des Champs is looking to go one better here with Bobs Worth missing the race. The Gigginstown horse won at the Festival last year, destroying the field by 36 lengths in a Novice Chase. Punters have been keen to back Sir Des Champs who was 15/8 for a short time yesterday. Through bravery or blind stupidity though, Paddy is holding firm at 2/1 as the cash keeps coming.

3. Long Run 10/3

5.30pm Punchestown Gold Cup

Punters are taking advantage of Paddy’s generosity and are ploughing in to Long Run for the Punchestown Gold Cup. If Sir Des Champs wins the Gold Cup Paddy is refunding bets on the horse that finishes second and for a lot of people, that almost takes all the risk out of backing Long Run. The Nicky Henderson-trained horse has never been out of the frame in his career and has already beaten five of the eight runners in recent months.

4. Call Me Bubbles 7/4

4.20pm Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle

Call Me Bubbles was mightily impressive when winning a Maiden at Navan in March and a similar performance here will be a massive result for punters. The Willie Mullins-trained horse has been pounded as he looks to make it two wins on the spin and Paddy braces himself for a thumping. Ruby Walsh takes the ride on a horse that won’t mind a bit of cut in the mud.

5. Viconte Du Noyer 3/1

4.20pm Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle

Interestingly Viconte Du Noyer has seen almost as much money in the same race as Willie Mullins’ pair head the market. Viconte Du Noyer is having his first run for his new owners but his form across the waters in Auteuil is working out well. He has the class if being off the track for almost a year hasn’t affected him too much. Viconte Du Noyer has plenty of supporters but Paddy certainly won’t be one of the people cheering him home this afternoon.

• Betting: Day two at Punchestown