UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

THREE CARD BRAG (second) had Monty's Star (third) behind at Fairyhouse earlier in the month, when he was only denied by just under a length at the line and he tended to jump to the left at times. Therefore, the switch to this left-handed track could aid his cause and, with the likelihood of plenty more to come on his second chase start, he could prove very difficult to beat. The latter is expected to prove the main threat once more and he isn't taken lightly, while Digby has pleased in both chase efforts so far and can fight it out for the minor honours.
Prediction : 1st Three Card Brag 2nd Montys Star 3rd Digby

KINGS HALO gained compensation for his narrow defeat at Clonmel in early November when landing the spoils at Tramore later that month. The eight-year-old may be able to unlock enough improvement from this step up in distance over 3m to negate an 8lb rise in the ratings. Fellow last-time-out scorer Clonmeen is feared most, despite a 9lb hike in the handicap seeming a tad excessive, while Chosen Diamond likely has more to offer in this sphere too.
Prediction : 1st Kings Halo 2nd Clonmeen 3rd Chosen Diamond

The Gordon Elliott-trained pair, Hey Whatever and Roboreti, are both potential improvers, with the former rated as the more attractive proposition given she has the advantage of a 7lb sex allowance. However, there are some speedy types form the Flat in opposition, with none appealing more than STORM HEART, who ran away with a 1m4f maiden on her last start in France. Now under the tutelage of Willie Mullins, another bold showing is expected on his hurdling bow. Jeaniemacaroney and Eagles Reign are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Storm Heart 2nd Hey Whatever 3rd Roboreti

All eyes will be on former Champion Bumper/Ballymore Hurdle winner SIR GERHARD as he returns to timber following an underwhelming stint over fences, which included a fall at Naas on his seasonal return last month. That said, he travelled well until departing at the second-last fence that day and he could take some stopping in this company back in his favoured discipline. Thedevilscoachman also reverts to the smaller obstacles after a more productive spell chasing and will relish this testing ground, while there's a good chance that former Grade 2 winner Aspire Tower will step things up on his third run back from a long absence.
Prediction : 1st Sir Gerhard 2nd Thedevilscoachman 3rd Aspire Tower

EXTRAPOLATION produced a big chunk of improvement when stepping up in trip at Listowel in September, as he accounted for his nearest rival by over nine lengths and was put up 8lb for that success. The son of Mahler could have much more to offer on only his third handicap outing, so he looks the one to side with. Cafe Con Leche struck at Cork over 2m1f recently and could have a say off an 8lb higher rating, while Harry Alonzo is an interesting contender too.
Prediction : 1st Extrapolation 2nd Cafe Con Leche 3rd Harry Alonzo

THE BIG CLOUD was well supported in the market ahead of her latest Clonmel outing and almost landed the spoils. She was beaten just over a length into second that day, showing marked improvement, and connections have found her a really winnable opening as she bids to go one better now that the penny has dropped. Dontdooddson boasts good enough form to suggest he'll be thereabouts, while Sunwalk showed much more when fifth at Naas 17 days ago.
Prediction : 1st The Big Cloud 2nd Dontdooddson 3rd Sunwalk

EAST SIDE outran her huge odds to finish fourth over an extended 2m here in October and she would have learned a great deal from that experience. The daughter of Elzaam could have plenty more to come and she is taken to get off the mark. The main threat is Shaving, who was disappointing when behind a couple of these at Naas last month, but she is in fantastic hands and is likely to give a much better account. Any market support for Slotty Dotty would also be of interest.
Prediction : 1st East Side 2nd Shaving 3rd Slotty Dotty