UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

YANWORTH took well to the unique challenge of the banks course here over a furlong shorter in November before falling on his most recent outing at Cheltenham. The different test that Punchestown offers can see him bounce back and confirm his first effort in this sphere with Ballyboker Bridge (third), while it would be no surprise to see an improved performance from Josies Orders with the spring festivals in mind.
Prediction : 1st Yanworth 2nd Ballyboker Bridge 3rd Josies Orders

CEDARWOOD ROAD took a big step forward from his hurdling debut when powering clear of the opposition at Leopardstown over Christmas. It seems significant that Davy Russell partners him over Fighter Allen, a half-brother to Envoi Allen who won an AQPS contest at Le Lion-D'Angers last May, with the step up in class unlikely to pose a problem for Gearoid O'Loughlin's gelding. Front View is respected on his first start since winning at Cork in November, while Beacon Edge needs to jump better than he did on his hurdling bow at the course.
Prediction : 1st Cedarwood Road 2nd Front View 3rd Beacon Edge

The form of FRANCIN's third at Leopardstown over Christmas has been given several boosts, with the winner of that contest placing in a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival and the two horses to split him both winning their subsequent outings. If repeating that performance, Willie Mullins' gelding could prove a tough nut to crack. Pencilfulloflead was no match for Asterion Forlonge at Naas on his first attempt over timber but he is likely to be in the mix, along with Arthurian Fame, who shaped as though this longer trip would play to his strengths when fourth over 2m at Leopardstown.
Prediction : 1st Francin 2nd Pencilfulloflead 3rd Arthurian Fame

After making a successful beginning to his handicap career at Clonmel, Marshalled couldn't quite get competitive when upped to 2m4f here last time. He now goes up another half a mile and is respected, while Goulane Jessie nearly justified favouritism at Fairyhouse and remains nicely treated. Ballybrowney Jack reverts to the smaller obstacles after unseating at Thurles, but so does ASK MARY, who got rid of Liz Lalor at Fairyhouse and can capitalise on a 12lb lower mark in this sphere.
Prediction : 1st Ask Mary 2nd Marshalled 3rd Goulane Jessie