UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

Coko Beach posted a fine second in the Becher Chase at Aintree in December and the nine-year-old is an interesting recruit to this unique discipline. Gordon Elliott's charge must enter calculations, but STATTLER edges the verdict. The Stowaway gelding was far from disgraced when runner-up over an inadequate 2m4f in a Grade 2 at Thurles recently and that should have put him spot on for his debut in this sphere. Fameaftertheglory should put his latest third-placed effort in this discipline at Cheltenham to good use and shouldn't be underestimated.
Prediction : 1st Stattler 2nd Coko Beach 3rd Fameaftertheglory

LA MALMASON built on the promise of her third behind Found A Fifty at Down Royal when making a successful raid on her handicap debut over fences at Cheltenham in December. The winning margin doesn't tell the full story as she appeared to win with something to spare and a 6lb rise is unlikely to be an inconvenience. Bonnie Kellie took a step back in the right direction when runner-up here last month when she arguably would have won but for a bad mistake at the second last. Kates Hill appeals most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st La Malmason 2nd Bonnie Kellie 3rd Kates Hill

MERCUREY made a pleasing return to action here when finishing third on his first outing for 13 months and the six-year-old remains open to a fair amount of improvement. Lightkeeper shaped with promise on his Rules debut when chasing home Tullyhill at Naas and that experience is likely to stand him in good stead going forward. Supreme Ruler is bred to be useful and commands respect along with Milan Dollar Lady, who is a half-sister to Grade 1-winning chaser Road To Respect.
Prediction : 1st Mercurey 2nd Lightkeeper 3rd Supreme Ruler

Linden Arden was sent off at a short price for a Leopardstown handicap on his debut for the Willie Mullins yard and while he disappointed that day, it would be no surprise to see him bounce back now returned to maiden company. All For Rachel must be considered on the back of a handicap second at Navan recently and Magic Sadler made the frame in a similar event nine days ago, but it could pay to take a chance on PIRATE ISLAND. Third over 2m the last twice, he has been doing his best work at the finish and he should relish this step up in trip.
Prediction : 1st Pirate Island 2nd Linden Arden 3rd All For Rachel

SHANNON ROYALE claimed the scalp of the well-regarded Tullyhll when easily landing a maiden hurdle here in November, so it was disappointing that he failed to land a blow in a Listed handicap the following month. However, he sports first-time blinkers now and Gordon Elliott's six-year-old looks worth another chance dropping in class. Morricone was a ready winner of a handicap over the extended 2m here three weeks ago and he could prove the biggest threat to the selection, ahead of Prince Palace.
Prediction : 1st Shannon Royale 2nd Morricone 3rd Prince Palace

The stoutly-bred BESTALINE offered far more encouragement when a staying-on third over an extended 2m 4f here recently. This rise in distance could do the trick for Gordon Elliott's mare and a breakthrough victory over hurdles may be on the cards. Although a 7lb rise will make life tougher for last month's Clonmel scorer Lissen To The Lady, the veteran still warrants respect in her current mood. She may give the selection most to think about, ahead of the unexposed Pipers Boreen.
Prediction : 1st Bestaline 2nd Lissen To The Lady 3rd Pipers Boreen

LUCKY LYREEN gets the nod in this maiden hurdle finale and ought to go very close on a reproduction of his latest second to O'Moore Park, who is a really promising novice hurdler representing Willie Mullins' yard. The six-year-old is edging closer to the target, seemingly improving between runs, and this could be the time to catch him. Kinturk Kalanisi boasts a similar profile following an improved display at Cork last time, while chances are also given to Bossofthebrownies and One Big Bang.
Prediction : 1st Lucky Lyreen 2nd Kinturk Kalanisi 3rd Bossofthebrownies