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

ZERO TEN is a really nice chasing prospect and was seen for the first time since scoring at the Galway Festival when chasing home the recent 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 Bay Hill, who finished behind him last month. Daly Tiger had his limitations exposed in the Craddockstown but is interesting at this level.
Prediction : 1st Zero Ten 2nd Bay Hill 3rd Daly Tiger

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 so 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 last month and has more scope than most in this field as he steps up in trip.
Prediction : 1st Rockys Silver 2nd Minella Till Dawn 3rd Roaring Bull

LORD ROYAL made a very pleasing start to his hurdling career at Clonmel when powering clear of the opposition to win by 33 lengths. That performance suggested he has the credentials to step up into graded company and the extra half mile is unlikely to prove much of an issue. Floueur won in good style on his first outing for Gordon Elliott at Navan and he can enter the reckoning along with stable companion Run Wild Fred, who was giving leading Albert Bartlett contender Monkfish a race when falling at the second last at Thurles.
Prediction : 1st Lord Royal 2nd Floueur 3rd Run Wild Fred

LADY BREFFNI enjoyed a positive experience on her hurdling debut, finishing second behind the more experienced Colreevy, and this bumper winner shouldn't mind dropping to 2m on ground that could play to her strengths. Likely to be given a patient ride once more, Joseph O'Brien's mare can prove too strong at the finish for Getaway Gorgeous, who has finished second on her last three starts. Barrington Court may prefer a sounder surface but can prove best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Lady Breffni 2nd Getaway Gorgeous 3rd Barrington Court

PENCILFULLOFLEAD's Naas second behind Asterion Forlonge was boosted when the latter was successful in Grade 1 company a few weeks later, and Gordon Elliott's charge can pay that form a handsome compliment now tried over this longer distance for the first time. The six-year-old won a bumper on soft ground in November, and may have too much staying power for Et Dite, who looked ordinary when beaten at odds-on here recently. Stablemate Vent D'Automne warrants a betting check following a lengthy absence.
Prediction : 1st Pencilfulloflead 2nd Et Dite 3rd Vent DAutomne

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 Ask Cory and Ballea Fox.
Prediction : 1st Ask Mary 2nd Marshalled 3rd Ask Cory