UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

COUNT SIMON is nothing if not consistent and will arrive full of confidence for his chasing debut following a couple of hurdle victories at Perth and Down Royal. If taking to the larger obstacles, he could well round off the hat-trick. Cenotice has already proven himself in this sphere, finishing third behind the classy Wicklow Brave at Ballinrobe 15 days ago, and he should go close with a clear round, while leading owner J P McManus has a couple of solid chances with Minella Times and The Big Lense.
Prediction : 1st Count Simon 2nd Cenotice 3rd Minella Times

Jett is 8lb better off with PEREGRINE RUN for a nose defeat at Killarney and connections will obviously fancy their chances of a reversal, but Peter Fahey's star gelding went to a different level when winning the McHale Mayo National under top weight at Ballinrobe last time and he may not be for passing at the moment. Gordon Elliott isn't without a chance with Flaxen Flare and Barra two solid representatives, although the 80-rated Fergiethelegend faces a near impossible task.
Prediction : 1st Peregrine Run 2nd Jett 3rd Flaxen Flare

This looks a great opportunity for THECRAICISNINETY to go one better than his comeback second over 2m4f at Kilbeggan last month. He only gave way late on that day, suggesting this drop back in trip will suit, and with Darragh O'Keeffe's claim taken into consideration, he's effectively 5lb better off. Bellgrove won over the extended 2m5f at Tramore recently and is respected cutting back in distance, while Tiantu, who was still in with a chance when unseating his rider at Limerick, adds further spice to the race.
Prediction : 1st Thecraicisninety 2nd Bellgrove 3rd Tiantu

FULYSSE made significant improvement from her bumper debut in December 2017 when runner-up over C&D on her first start for Joseph O'Brien a month ago. She is expected to come forward from that performance and could prove too strong for Penny Out and City Ballerina, who contested the same Listowel maiden hurdle nine days ago. The former finished second on that occasion while the latter unseated at the second-last when moving into contention, and the pair must enter calculations this evening.
Prediction : 1st Fulysse 2nd Penny Out 3rd City Ballerina

ASH HILL was considered good enough for a crack at the Leopardstown Grade 2 bumper back in February, when down the field, and Joseph O'Brien's gelding has been found a nice opportunity to begin his hurdling career. Pakens Rock was another who showed ability in bumpers and can take a step forward from his first outing over timber at Ballinrobe, while Robin Des Sivola and Big Tree complete the shortlist having shaped with plenty of promise last time out.
Prediction : 1st Ash Hill 2nd Pakens Rock 3rd Robin Des Sivola

STACKS MOUNTAIN justified favouritism at Tipperary last month in maiden company under Davy Russell and could strike returned to handicaps off a fair mark of 119. The six-year-old had been shaping to do that for quite some time and appeals more than Macgiloney, who scored at Cork last month but wouldn't want too much rain, and Sweet Home Chicago, who isn't getting any younger but was second at Tipperary 20 days ago.
Prediction : 1st Stacks Mountain 2nd Macgiloney 3rd Sweet Home Chicago

Watch Guard finished third in two competitive spring bumpers and could be seen to good effect if a generous pace is set, while Judex Lefou represents powerful connections and is likely better than what he showed when down the field in this sphere four weeks ago. However, the most solid option looks to be GUN MERCHANT, who finished second at Tramore last month on stable debut for Gordon Elliott and surely has more to offer for the Cullentra House maestro.
Prediction : 1st Gun Merchant 2nd Watch Guard 3rd Judex Lefou