UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

A promising third on his hurdling debut at Leopardstown over Christmas, MORDOR should be open to plenty of improvement and this looks like an ideal opportunity to get off the mark. Formerly with David Simcock on the Flat, the son of Roaring Lion can uphold form with Lark In The Mornin (sixth), while Highwind is an intriguing French recruit to the Willie Mullins yard and should be monitored for market support. Bright Legend cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Mordor 2nd Highwind 3rd Lark In The Mornin

WOODSTREAM LAD was hit with an 11lb rise having bolted up at Thurles in November, but that didn't stop Philip Rothwell's charge from finishing an excellent second in a competitive heat at Leopardstown next time. A further 4lb rise might not be enough to stop the Soldier Of Fortune gelding and he can regain the winning sequence, possibly at the main expense of Morricone. Ricky Bobby enters calculations, while others to note include Joyeux Vivo and Brogue Man River.
Prediction : 1st Woodstream Lad 2nd Morricone 3rd Ricky Bobby

This can go the way of PALLAS ATHENE, who showed up well for a long way on her hurdles debut at Limerick before fading into fourth late on. The daughter of Milan should have learned plenty from that experience and she looks set to progress for her leading yard. Point winner Annalecka landed a Tipperary bumper when last seen and must enter calculations sent over timber for the first time. Slim Marvel appeals most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Pallas Athene 2nd Annalecka 3rd Slim Marvel

DGALWAYGALLIVANTOR put it all together when winning over 2m at Cork in November and a 7lb rise might yet underestimate Gavin Cromwell's charge should he improve for the step up in trip. Jack Du Large didn't show much in maiden hurdles, but he's bred to be far better than his opening mark and merits closer inspection ahead of his handicap bow. Mr Social is a consistent type and shouldn't be far away, while Friends N Commerce should not be underestimated in the first-time blinkers.
Prediction : 1st Dgalwaygallivantor 2nd Jack Du Large 3rd Mr Social

As a former point-to-point winner, this significant step up in trip looks like a good move for SPRINGT DE LA MARE on his hurdles debut. Connections won this contest last year and they can do so once more with the five-year-old as he looks to see off the likes of Slanagaibhgoleir and Chosen Thyme, who ran arguably a career best when runner-up at Clonmel last month. Placed on two of his last three starts, Insouciant Dallier is capable of being in the shake-up too.
Prediction : 1st Springt De La Mare 2nd Chosen Thyme 3rd Insouciant Dallier

Glenabo Bridge was all out to get up by half a length over an extended 2m4f at Fairyhouse in November and he should put in a bold showing off a 5lb higher mark. However, the vote goes to BUACHAILLBOCHT, who was well held in third at Tramore earlier in the month but remains on the same mark. The son of Blue Bresil could have more to offer on only his third handicap start and can improve to make it two wins from his last three outings. No Fussing completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Buachaillbocht 2nd Glenabo Bridge 3rd No Fussing

Instant Tendance has plenty of experience which should stand her in good stead, and her latest second over an extended 2m2f here on New Year's Eve is arguably her best effort, so she has to be considered. However, this could go the way of MAUGHREEN, who is a full-sister to Blow Your Wad and the daughter of Walk In The Park could make an impression on debut for her powerful connections. Amanha is another to consider following her second at Thurles.
Prediction : 1st Maughreen 2nd Instant Tendance 3rd Amanha