UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

A dual winner over 1m4f, SOLAR DRIVE isn't as highly rated on the Flat as some of these but has taken well to hurdling and had Action Plan a little over two lengths back in third when landing a Ballinrobe maiden. Action Plan again ran creditably in a decent contest at Listowel on his next start, before finishing fourth at Cork on Sunday, and he will be a major player if turning up here. Hurdling debutant Slurricane stays well, as shown when placed over 1m6f on the Flat last time in a competitive Listowel handicap.
Prediction : 1st Solar Drive 2nd Action Plan 3rd Slurricane

Runner-up on his last two starts, bumper winner SINGLE EDITION can go one better and record a first success over hurdles. Nigel Slevin's six-year-old was outstayed by a subsequent winner over a longer trip at Downpatrick before finding only Sayitfirst too strong at Roscommon. The selection is 7lb better off with the latter, who again showed her well-being when second at Fairyhouse last week. Targa Flavio was a well-held second when showing improved form at Listowel and he may improve for better ground, while handicap debutant Mount Anglesby brings solid maiden form to the table.
Prediction : 1st Single Edition 2nd Sayitfirst 3rd Targa Flavio

PIED PIPER looks to have been found a nice opportunity to record a first win in almost two years. A genuine Grade 1 horse in his prime, the Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old has performed with credit in decent handicaps under both codes in recent times. Fit from the Flat, the New Approach gelding should take all of the beating. Aspire Tower, who would have had a similar level of ability to the selection at his best, was off the track for almost three years prior to making his return last October. Although not the force of old, the gelding looks the main threat. Course winner Eagle Fang is next best.
Prediction : 1st Pied Piper 2nd Aspire Tower 3rd Eagle Fang

Cork bumper winner BALLYSAX HANK can step up on his recent hurdling debut at Listowel. Runner-up on that occasion, the Brendan Duke-trained gelding should have learned enough from that experience to go one better. A prominent racer, the five-year-old should appreciate returning to this venue where he previously finished fifth in a big-field bumper. The Willie Mullins-trained Mister Pink looks the obvious danger. Second over course and distance on hurdling debut last time, the six-year-old had won his bumper at Ballinrobe prior to that and likely has more to offer. Newcomer Ballyharney should be noted on his introduction for the in-form Adrian Murray stable.
Prediction : 1st Ballysax Hank 2nd Mister Pink 3rd Ballyharney

C&D winner WARM IN GOREY has leading claims under Tiernan Power Roche. Only 3lb higher than when successful here last June, the Philip Rothwell-trained gelding actually races off a lower mark once taking his jockey's claim into account. A consistent sort in handicap chases in recent months, the six-year-old may appreciate reverting to hurdles. Glendars Mahler has to be respected on her first start for trainer Aidan Howard. Having been rated as high as 105 in the past, the eight-year-old is very interesting. Point-to-point winner Due Course is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Warm In Gorey 2nd Glendars Mahler 3rd Due Course

The progressive mare ITS NOT OVER YET may be able to land her hat-trick here. She got on top in the closing stages to open her account at Tipperary in early July and won with plenty in hand when following up at Roscommon just over two weeks ago. She got a 12lb hike for that but it's often worth following a mare in form. The versatile Somptueux was fourth in a Flat maiden on his latest start and is on a competitive mark over timber. He is a danger, while Cozone comes here in winning form having taken a claimer in good style at Clonmel.
Prediction : 1st Its Not Over Yet 2nd Somptueux 3rd Cozone

MUMMY DERRY is hard to oppose. The Yeats filly lost out by three-parts of a length to a decent sort in Meitheal on her debut at Galway last month. The half-sister to Spillanes Tower looks to have been found a good opening in which to open her account. Lau And Shaz is the potential improver in the field. She showed promise when seventh in the Goffs Bumper at the festival here in April. That tends to be a deep race. The Gordon Elliott-trained Clongorey has finished fourth on both outings over timber and could be place material in this.
Prediction : 1st Mummy Derry 2nd Lau And Shaz 3rd Clongorey