UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

The Gordon Elliott-trained OMNISCIENT should prove difficult to beat. A dual winner on the Flat when trained in Britain, the five-year-old has shaped with distinct promise on both starts over hurdles to date. The form of his Fairyhouse fourth received a boost at the weekend when the fifth placed horse easily landed her maiden. His latest Naas third was also franked in that the winner would almost certainly have won a competitive handicap next time but for unseating at the last. Hurdling debutant Mywayofthinkin lacks experience but was runner-up in two bumper starts, so clearly has ability. Thurles second Clonshire River should also be competitive.
Prediction : 1st Omniscient 2nd Mywayofthinkin 3rd Clonshire River

It is difficult to see past the Willie Mullins-trained hurdling debutant BELLOCCIO on his first start in this country. A 105-rated Listed horse on the level, the six-year-old should have far too much class for these rivals if jumping adequately. It would be no surprise to see the son of Belardo run up a sequence over the summer. Former UK point-to-point winner Bodybuilder also makes his hurdling here in this contest. Now in the care of Gordon Elliott, the gelding will almost certainly need further in time. However, he still commands respect on this introduction to these shores. With the Paul Nolan string in great form at present, Jhentong Enki is another worthy of consideration.
Prediction : 1st Belloccio 2nd Bodybuilder 3rd Jhentong Enki

Third at Down Royal on his reappearance last month, the Paul Flynn-trained SCOTT LANG followed that run with a highly creditable fourth on the level last time. Dropping back to the minimum trip could well suit the seven-year-old, who tends to race prominently. Although yet to win from seven starts over hurdles, he looks fairly handicapped in this code. Son Of Hypnos won over fences at Downpatrick last month before running below-par when reverting to hurdles at that same track next time. The Kevin Smith-trained gelding has to be given another chance here in what looks an ordinary race despite the numbers. In For The Night can also get involved after his recent return at Ballinrobe.
Prediction : 1st Scott Lang 2nd Son Of Hypnos 3rd In For The Night

Having twice reached the frame in similar races here last season, Gordon Elliott's LIGHTKEEPER can finally make the breakthrough. The six-year-old was unquestionably disappointing at Navan on his final start but prior to that had run well in competitive maidens all winter and he looks the most likely winner if bouncing back. Camino Rock boasts an almost identical profile in that he too had been running well all year before failing to get involved last time. The Mouse Morris-trained gelding also has placed form at this venue. Fenway Park also holds strong claims on the strength of his fourth-placed finish at the festival here earlier this month.
Prediction : 1st Lightkeeper 2nd Camino Rock 3rd Fenway Park

CLUB MANAGER can provide another winner for in-form trainer Gavin Cromwell. A stayer on the Flat when trained in the UK, the four-year-old did well to win his maiden hurdle at Bellewstown. However, the son of Nathaniel showed that he could be very well treated off a mark of 113, when staying on strongly in a better race than this one on handicap debut when fifth here earlier this month. With connections wisely opting to step up in trip, the gelding should be hard to beat. Benjis Benefit has had three different trainers in his last four runs but the six-year-old has been runner-up in two of those. He clearly has plenty of ability. Handicap debutant Dorans Law is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Club Manager 2nd Benjis Benefit 3rd Dorans Law

Recent Tipperary fifth CHAMPAGNE SALOON has every chance of registering a first career success. The Sean Aherne-trained eight-year-old kept on nicely to run a big race in a stronger grade than he encounters here. Having only had the seven starts under rules, the gelding should be open to some improvement. Handicap debutant One Flew Eau Verte showed enough in just three maiden outings to suggest she has a future. Although lacking the experience of some of these rivals, Peter Fahey's mare could play a leading role. The former French trained Drum Roll catches the eye on her first handicap start and any market support would be of interest.
Prediction : 1st Champagne Saloon 2nd One Flew Eau Verte 3rd Drum Roll

A winner over course and distance back in January, SILENT FLIGHT may be able to add to that here. The eight-year-old was subsequently raised 9lb but showed that mark may not be beyond him when third at Down Royal after. Back from a break, the gelding appears to have been found a nice opportunity to register a second career success. On My Bike has snippets of form that would give him a chance in a race of this nature. With Gavin Cromwell continuing to send out winners this may be the time to catch the six-year-old. Mrs Biddle made a pleasing handicap debut when third at Tramore. Granted normal improvement, the mare can make her presence felt.
Prediction : 1st Silent Flight 2nd On My Bike 3rd Mrs Biddle

Beaten less than a length when runner-up at Downpatrick last time, the John McConnell-trained DINOLAND can gain a deserved first victory under rules. Wearing blinkers for the first time, the gelding raced prominently throughout, keeping on strongly up the stiff hill. With connections opting to retain the headgear now, he should make another bold bid. Inchidaly Copper returns to the racecourse having landed a point-to-point at Dromahane last month. His 7lb conditional jockey is good value for that claim. Bearwithmenow, who ran well when fourth on his recent stable debut, can get involved here under Jody McGarvey.
Prediction : 1st Dinoland 2nd Inchidaly Copper 3rd Bearwithmenow