UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

SHANTREUSSE was a Grade 3 winner over hurdles on heavy ground at Clonmel last season and can improve upon his fourth on chasing debut at Fairyhouse last month. That run can be upgraded after the winner landed a Grade 1 at Limerick over Christmas. Fakiera stays further than this and has been keeping good company, including when runner-up in a Grade B handicap chase in Fairyhouse at the start of the month. Conditions will be no hindrance to Willie Mullins' Aione who was runner-up when last seen in a 2m4f beginners' chase at Cork in April. He should enjoy this longer trip and has gone well fresh before. His stablemate, Hi Ho Phoenix, won a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle by nine lengths over a year ago. The market should be informative about his first crack at fences. Alfa Mix hasn't been beaten far in his last three beginners' chases.
Prediction : 1st Shantreusse 2nd Fakiera 3rd Aione

FOLLOW THE CROWD ran on well to be nearest at the finish in third over a similar trip in Galway at the end of October which gives him solid claims. Prior to that, he stayed on to win over 2m5f at Roscommon. Friendly Star was third over a staying trip in a valuable handicap chase at this venue in November which makes him dangerous. There is more to come from Brampton Belle on her third start over fences. She has won twice over hurdles including in Listed company at Navan. John Adams didn't run badly in fourth in a banks race at Punchestown on his first start for Peter Maher. It is worth noting that he won over a similar trip at this track in January. Stumptown looked worth a shot at this sort of trip after a never nearer fourth over 2m2f at Thurles this month.
Prediction : 1st Follow The Crowd 2nd Friendly Star 3rd Brampton Belle

Gordon Elliott, who had plenty of reverses on the final day of Leopardstown after saddling a treble there on Wednesday, has won this race six times in the last eight years. It's interesting that Jack Kennedy has chosen to partner TEAGARDEN JAZZ who improved on her hurdles debut when third to the impressive Blood Diamond at Cork. Given that her stablemate Calico's Aintree form was given a big boost when the winner almost won the Finale at Chepstow, it's a decision that indicates a fair degree of confidence that the selection has gone the right way since her latest run. Sir Allen, a fair middle-distance handicapper on the level, finished second in that Cork contest and that was an encouraging start over hurdles for the Territories gelding who likes soft ground. The market will reveal the level of confidence behind French import Sinbad Le Marin, who won a 1m2f Chantilly maiden in May on the last of four Flat outings in his homeland.
Prediction : 1st Teagarden Jazz 2nd Sinbad Le Marin 3rd Sir Allen

The market was inclined to disregard KOSHARI after he left Willie Mullins last year but the Walk In The Park gelding proved his doubters wrong with an 80/1 victory over three miles in a good handicap at Aintree and when beaten only eight lengths in the Stayers' Hurdle. He's rising eleven but can go well fresh and his last win for Mullins came over course and distance. If they go a reasonable gallop in this, he might be able to spring a mild surprise. Cesarewitch winner Run For Oscar will have plenty of supporters after his fine third at Haydock where maybe 3m on soft ground just stretched him. He's been brought to the boil a few times in recent months, though, and it's not easy to keep doing that for all his yard is in good form. Floueur routed the Paddy Power runner-up over 3m at Clonmel where blinkers did the trick but he has a stiff task at the weights. Saint Sam, a promising novice chaser before his jumping unravelled when raised in class, will likely be fresh after an absence and may be better for the outing.
Prediction : 1st Koshari 2nd Run For Oscar 3rd Floueur

CAPTAIN CONBY gave the impression of being a seriously well handicapped horse when third at this track in a Pertemps Qualifier last month. The Dusty Sheehy-trained gelding cruised into contention turning into the straight before his stamina gave way and he gradually weakened. Back over his optimum trip here, it will be a surprise if he doesn't resume winning ways. Riaan also struggled with the trip when beaten on his handicap debut at Sligo in October but Gordon Elliot's five-year-old was impressive when winning over 2m4f at Cork last time. He could still have plenty in hand despite being hiked for that success. San Salvador finished second in that aforementioned Cork race but would have been nearer only for a mistake at the final flight. He is capable of getting much closer on this occasion.
Prediction : 1st Captain Conby 2nd Riaan 3rd San Salvador

MOLLY KAYE was pulled up at Thurles last time but is afforded another opportunity to exploit her mark over hurdles. A dual winner on the flat during October, the mare had been well fancied to go one better than when runner up on her penultimate start under National Hunt rules. In a race where few look to have a realistic chance, the Shane Duffy-trained mare can get back on the winning trail. Thefaithfulindian also disappointed in that same Thurles contest, managing only eighth, having gone close on her previous two starts. She, too, is well treated over hurdles and should be involved if back on song. Little Mixup carries a penalty for a mid-week success at Limerick but won't find life easy under such a welter burden.
Prediction : 1st Molly Kaye 2nd Thefaithfulindian 3rd Little Mixup

ABI'S CHAMP is bred for the job, being a half-sister to a dual Listed bumper winner. Coming from the Willie Mullins stable, she is sure to know what is required at the first time of asking. Baby Chou is related to a winner over hurdles who was placed on her first two starts in bumpers. The Jessica Harrington-trained four-year-old is capable of being involved for a stable who do well with smaller numbers in this discipline these days. Visible Attraction returns to the track, having switched to point-to-points after showing initial promise in her bumpers. The experience she will have gained at this stage is certainly an advantage against a number of debutants and less exposed rivals.
Prediction : 1st Abis Champ 2nd Baby Chou 3rd Visible Attraction