UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

SPILLANE'S TOWER had Arctic Bresil and Firm Footings behind him when runner-up in a good novice hurdle at the Festival here and after settling for fourth on his chasing bow at Galway, he occupied the same position in the hot beginners chase won by Facile Vega at Navan. That experience gives him an edge over fencing newcomers Arctic Bresil and Firm Footings, who could still close the gap at least. Captain Conby has claimed minor money in a couple of Graded races, though, and might be the bigger threat.
Prediction : 1st Spillanes Tower 2nd Captain Conby 3rd Arctic Bresil

Gordon Elliott can do little wrong at present and looks to have a solid contender in the shape of COOL SURVIVOR, whose respectable fourth-placed finish behind the high-class Gaelic Warrior over 2m3f here last month sets the standard over fences. Willie Mullins has a good line on the worth of the form with Embassy Gardens, whose current hurdles rating of 140 entitles him to the utmost respect on his chasing debut. Lets Go Champ is in the early stages of his development in this discipline and also commands respect.
Prediction : 1st Cool Survivor 2nd Embassy Gardens 3rd Lets Go Champ

An easy point-to-point winner in November last year, Killaney King is very interesting on his hurdling debut, while Rainbow Trail also represents powerful connections and the expensive purchase impressed when landing a Clonmel bumper last month after a troubled passage. However, slight preference is for BLIZZARD OF OZ, who sets the form standard with his second in a Grade 2 bumper at Aintree in the spring and the Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old could have a very bright future over obstacles.
Prediction : 1st Blizzard Of Oz 2nd Rainbow Trail 3rd Killaney King

The Henry De Bromhead stable has had a fine start to the season and RING O ROSES looks just the type to improve for stepping up in trip after an encouraging second over shorter at Gowran Park last month. A 3lb rise for that effort seems manageable and she can get the better of recent course second American Money and Dancing Jeremy, who could hardly have been more impressive when winning from the front here in October. Lazer Wolf (second) had the eye-catching Morricone (fourth) behind when runner-up at this track last month, and both are likely to be thereabouts again.
Prediction : 1st Ring O Roses 2nd Dancing Jeremy 3rd Morricone

This has all the hallmarks of a good quality renewal, as the likes of the unbeaten A Penny A Hundred, progressive Banntown Girl and consistent Jetara all have plenty to offer. However, MEL MONROE, a commendable second in the Monksfield at Navan last time, has performed admirably in defeat in the face of two stern tests so far this season, and can make it third-time lucky with the trip and ground both looking ideal.
Prediction : 1st Mel Monroe 2nd A Penny A Hundred 3rd Banntown Girl

The market may prove informative with regards to the chances of the Willie Mullins-trained duo, with Micro Manage and Elixir D'Ainay both returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The latter mixed it with the best novices around in early 2020 and could be a cut above these if picking up where he left off, but the vote goes to the match-fit TACTICAL AFFAIR. Gordon Elliott's four-year-old only just hung on to make a successful hurdling bow at Cork 16 days ago but has scope for plenty of improvement and represents an in-form yard.
Prediction : 1st Tactical Affair 2nd Elixir DAinay 3rd Micro Manage

It is difficult to look past DUFFYS GETAWAY, who was an impressive winner on his return over slightly further at Fairyhouse last month. The six-year-old has similar conditions again, and he can overcome a 9lb rise, while upholding form with the progressive Kiln Time (second), who has won at Wexford and been second at Tramore since. Merry Moves bounced back to form with a solid placed effort at Fairyhouse last month and she also needs considering. Completing the shortlist are the likes of Lizlucky, Mahler Appeal and No Fussing.
Prediction : 1st Duffys Getaway 2nd Kiln Time 3rd Merry Moves

KISH BANK's dam was a useful hurdler and this four-year-old could be pretty decent himself judged on his facile success between the flags last month. Gordon Elliott's charge is likely to be a warm order on his debut under Rules and looks the one to beat, although Ufouria may be no pushover. She ran up to the highly-promising Only By Night on her debut at Limerick in October and Paul Nolan's mare gets a handy 7lb from the selection. Slieve Carran had Seatoit (fourth) and A Tipp For Gold (ninth) in arrears when second at Thurles last month and could prove best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Kish Bank 2nd Ufouria 3rd Slieve Carran