16:50 Punchestown

He will need to improve again to win this but MERLIN GIANT is very much going the right way for Emmet Mullins and really impressed with how easily he won at Fairyhouse when last seen. He skipped both Cheltenham and Aintree and arrives fresher than most. He has only had 4 starts over hurdles and if stepping forward again is likely still well handicapped off a mark of 140. He proved he can handle softer ground well last time so is versatile regarding the ground and looks sure to go close. Tekao beat Ascending at Leopardstown before running well when third behind Gala Marceau and Lossiemouth at the DRF. He was sent off fav for the Boodles at Cheltenham last month but a bad mistake cost him any chance there. He could still have more to come off his current mark and is definitely one of the dangers. McManus also has Brazil who is another one that could run well.

Merlin Giant - 1pt @ 5/1