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, although the preference is for ASK MARY, who got rid of Liz Lalor at the second fence at Fairyhouse latest and can capitalise on a 12lb lower mark in this sphere. Others to note are Chosen Hour and Ask Cory.
Prediction : 1st Ask Mary 2nd Marshalled 3rd Chosen Hour

ZERO TEN is a really nice chasing prospect and was seen for the first time since scoring at the Galway Festival when chasing home last week's Grade 1 runner-up Cash Back at Naas in early January. He is fully expected to come on from that outing and can confirm his superiority over Dunvegan and Bay Hill, who were both behind him. Daly Tiger had his limitations exposed in the Craddockstown but is interesting at this level.
Prediction : 1st Zero Ten 2nd Daly Tiger 3rd Dunvegan

Forza Milan ran a brave race in Grade 3 company behind National Hunt Chase favourite Carefully Selected at Naas recently and has to be taken seriously on that form, while Minella Till Dawn galloped his rivals into submission when a 13-length winner at Cork on his most recent outing and will likely launch a bold bid to defy a 14lb hike. Roaring Bull finished fifth in the Thyestes but carries a big weight again and this can go the way of ROCKY'S SILVER. Successful in two of his last three appearances, the seven-year-old looked better the further he travelled over 3m1f here four weeks ago and has more scope than most in this field as he steps up in trip.
Prediction : 1st Rockys Silver 2nd Forza Milan 3rd Roaring Bull

Ferny Hollow was a 'talking' horse at the start of the season but has found one too good in each of his two career starts under Rules so far. The five-year-old wears a first-time hood and could improve, but he is likely to be short enough in the betting once more given his connections. Frontal Assault was easy to back when second at Thurles recently on his bumper debut and should give a solid account, but at the likely prices, a chance can be taken on MOUNT MELLERAY. A half-brother to last year's winner of this race, he is really interesting for the same owner/trainer and may represent some value.
Prediction : 1st Mount Melleray 2nd Ferny Hollow 3rd Frontal Assault