UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

Aspire Tower has been rated as high as 88 on the Flat and warrants plenty of respect making his NH debut for powerful connections, while Sea Ducor won a 1m6f Flat handicap when last sighted and is of interest on his jumping bow. However, narrow preference is for YAFORDADOE, who won two races on the level last month and is in right hands to make up into a smart hurdler. Instant Return, who was slightly disappointing two weeks ago, looks best of those with experience over timber.
Prediction : 1st Yafordadoe 2nd Aspire Tower 3rd Sea Ducor

DLAURO was bought for 410,000 pounds in February last year, just days after winning a point-to-point event, and he impressed when taking in a Punchestown bumper this May. He has since been purchased by leading owner JP McManus and it will be disappointing if he doesn't go close on his hurdling debut. Willie Mullins saddles two interesting runners in Rebellito and Fils Spirituel, both bought out of France and sporting famous silks, while Sizing Pottsie and Cavalry Master add further spice to the race.
Prediction : 1st Dlauro 2nd Fils Spirituel 3rd Rebellito

MINELLA ENCORE impressively won a couple of bumpers in December 2017 and has been absent since finishing fourth in Grade 2 company at Leopardstown 661 days ago. Although the absence isn't ideal, Willie Mullins get certainly get one ready after a layoff and this high-class performer is fancied to make a winning debut over hurdles. Stablemate Drury shouldn't be far away under Danny Mullins, while Momus and Gun Merchant are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Minella Encore 2nd Drury 3rd Momus

PETERSTOWN turned in a much-improved effort when second over 2m4f at Wexford in a maiden hurdle in June and is expected to step up on that effort now moving into a handicap and upped in trip on her return from a break. A 6lb rise for scoring over 3m at Down Royal earlier this month is unlikely to prevent Askann from remaining competitive, while it is possible Shantelle could better the form she showed when fifth at Gowran last time now stepping up from 2m.
Prediction : 1st Peterstown 2nd Askann 3rd Shantelle

Willie Mullins pair Salsaretta and Dorrells Pierji both make their chasing debuts here and could build on some respectable hurdles form to take a hand in the finish. However, this could go to CHOUNGAYA, who got close to Tornado Flyer at Naas and can make it back-to-back victories in this race for Gigginstown. Henry de Bromhead was the winning handler 12 months ago, but his Cuneo (11th) has plenty to find with Galvin (fourth) from when they met at Fairyhouse.
Prediction : 1st Choungaya 2nd Dorrells Pierji 3rd Salsaretta

Fiveaftermidnight caused a bit of a surprise when opening her chasing account at 20-1 earlier this month. The six-year-old mare should go well again but a 7lb rise makes life tougher, which opens the door for GUIDED BY YOU, who is finally getting the hang of things over fences and has finished second the last twice. Frankly All Talk was a chase winner in February and wasn't beaten far over hurdles on his reappearance, with Halsafari and Don't Let Go others to note.
Prediction : 1st Guided By You 2nd Fiveaftermidnight 3rd Frankly All Talk

Willie Mullins saddles two here and it could be AIONE, in the hands of Patrick Mullins, who takes plenty of beating having won on his sole point-to-point appearance back in 2017. Stablemate Miss Punch is a half-sister to four-time winner American Legend and has to be respected, while Gordon Elliott won this last season with the talented Battleoverdoyen so Daphne Moon, an encouraging third on debut at Naas earlier this month, should also be considered.
Prediction : 1st Aione 2nd Miss Punch 3rd Daphne Moon