UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

Gigginstown House Stud are showing no signs of winding down despite an announcement to that effect made back in 2019. They recently reunited with Willie Mullins after a six-year hiatus and they start off French recruit BESTALINE in this 11-runner contest. Successful on her sole start in France, she is a half-sister to the Henry de Bromhead trained three-time winner Somptueux. Bridgehead is given second preference. He just failed to peg back Aghaboy on his debut over flights at Ballinrobe, with that one since following-up. Surac is the only previous hurdles winner in the mix. Third in a good quality contest at Listowel on his most recently, he is now fitted with a hood for the first time and should give a good account of himself with Daryl Jacob aboard. Common Practice was sixth in that Listowel heat and warrants respect, while others of interest are Shetland Tony and War Correspondent.
Prediction : 1st Bestaline 2nd Bridgehead 3rd Surac

A competitive 22 runner affair but ONE COOL POET stands out after winning easily at Down Royal on his most recent hurdles outing. Better known for his exploits on the level, the Matthew Smith trained ten-year-old came home six lengths to the good at Down Royal, with runner-up Doyenna since giving the form a significant boost by winning at Fairyhouse on Saturday. The selection was disappointing at Listowel but could return to form now, switching back to flights. Contrapposto is given second preference. He ran a cracker on his handicap debut at Cork in April, going down by just three-parts of a length, while he unseated two out at Listowel on his most recent start. He was still in front when coming to grief at the Co Kerry venue and could gain compensation now with Rachael Blackmore booked to ride. Dual bumper winner Hey Johnny is of definite interest on his first start in handicap company, while fellow handicap debutants Slievenamon John and From The Ashes also warrant respect. One Last Tango, Delightfantastic and last year's winner Romella are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st One Cool Poet 2nd Contrapposto 3rd Hey Johnny

A three-time Grade 1 winner getting weight from all his rivals, ABACADABRAS should prove hard to beat. Slightly disappointing when third on his return to action at Tipperary recently, the eight-year-old can be expected to come on plenty for that effort. The hat-trick seeking Darver Star gave weight to all of his rivals when an easy winner at Galway last month and it'll come as no surprise if he manages to repeat that achievement. Dollar Value is an 11-time winner and is capable of making his presence felt. He made a bad mistake five from home when tried in a Grade 2 at Gowran recently and can be forgiven for that below par run. Typical Thomas and Dark Voyager, who starts off here for Anthony McCann, are both likely to struggle.
Prediction : 1st Abacadabras 2nd Darver Star 3rd Dollar Value

SECOND SUBALTERN and Cool Survivor are two of the main protagonists, with the Martin Brassil-trained former finishing just ahead of the Gigginstown-owned latter when they clashed here in April. There was just half-a-length between the pair and there is likely to be little between them again now. The selection has some hurdling experience to his name and was a good third at Listowel on his most recent start. Cool Survivor won a point-to-point on debut and subsequently changed hands for £175,000. The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding starts off over flights here and is sure to have plenty of supporters with Jack Kennedy aboard. Elliott is also represented by Boulon Trou and newcomer Jeepyoff Meel, with the French bred latter the third string on jockey bookings. Patricks Hill was still in with every chance when falling three out at Cork in early August and he is a leading contender, while others to keep on side are Arcland, Cave Court, No Bodder and Tipp For Mac.
Prediction : 1st Second Subaltern 2nd Cool Survivor 3rd Patricks Hill

MAXXUM might be able to take this competitive contest on his debut for Gordon Elliott. Previously trained by Eugene O'Sullivan, he was successful at Clonmel in March and returns to action now for the first time since May. The five-year-old is still relatively unexposed and is open to further progress. Rated 109 over fences compared to his hurdles mark of 95, Follow The Crowd is given second preference. A winner over the larger obstacles at Roscommon in early August, it'll come as little surprise if he manages to follow-up. Arrycan is another looking to exploit a much lower mark over flights and the Liam Cusack-trained gelding should give a good account of himself. A market move for Ithaka would come as little surprise. He was an eye-catcher on his penultimate outing and starts off in handicap company now. Other leading contenders are Gauis, Rebellious Gale, Elusive Star and Ceanndana.
Prediction : 1st Maxxum 2nd Follow The Crowd 3rd Arrycan

Barry Connell and Michael O'Sullivan are a team in-form, combining for three winners in recent weeks. They are represented here by the hat-trick seeking BALKITO who will be attempting to exploit his much lower mark over flights. He has a hurdles rating is 106, 19lbs lower than his mark over fences. Gordon Elliott is represented by Ballykeel and Coventry and they are both leading contenders. The former should appreciate this step-up in trip, while it'll be interesting to see how the regally bred latter fares on what will be his first start for Elliott. Matthew Smith is also double handed, saddling Endlessly and Punters Poet. These two are towards the bottom of the handicap but still warrant respect. Glenquin Castle amazingly won seven in-a-row last season and has definite claims after a respectable effort on his return to action at Gowran recently. The consistent Bonne Debut and six-time winner Benkei are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Balkito 2nd Ballykeel 3rd Coventry

A race that is sure to produce plenty of future winners, with some well-bred newcomers among the field of 14. Gordon Elliott introduces MOLLYS MANGO, with this Caldwell Construction owned bay closely related to 2014 Stayers Hurdle hero More Of That and 12-time winner Eastlake. Gavin Cromwell saddles Soldaro, who is a half-sister to smart stable mate Jeremys Flame, while Willie Mullins is represented by Williamstowndancer. Of those with form, A Law Of Her Own, Ballycashin and Gilt Ride stand out. The Peter Fahey-trained former is given second preference. She won a point-to-point on debut and had no luck in running when third at Navan on her most recent start. Ballycashin and Gilt Ride both showed plenty on their respective debuts and they warrant respect. Ultimately, the market should prove a good guide.
Prediction : 1st Mollys Mango 2nd A Law Of Her Own 3rd Soldaro