UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

Runner-up on his two most recent starts, THE MEDIATOR can register a first win over flights. A bumper winner at Down Royal on his racecourse debut back in 2021, the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding has yet to add to that sole success. However, having shown promise both over hurdles and on the Flat of late, the seven-year-old should get his head back in front here. Silas Marner stayed on from a long way back when fourth behind the selection at Gowran Park last time. If ridden closer to the pace on this occasion, the Charles O'Brien-trained gelding can get closer. Recent Listowel bumper winner Cappucino also has to be respected on his return to hurdling.
Prediction : 1st The Mediator 2nd Silas Marner 3rd Cappucino

An emphatic winner at Tramore last time, FIRST DARE can follow up for trainer Liz Doyle. Having finished runner-up in last year's renewal of this race, the six-year-old is sure to have had a repeat bid as a target for some time. Despite being 8lb higher than last time, the six-year-old won with such authority that she can shrug off that rise. Having been reluctant to race at Tipperary earlier this month, Vischio was eventually pulled up when detached in rear. A three-time winner over hurdles, the Dick Donohoe-trained mare is seriously well handicapped relative to her Flat form. Lightly raced over jumps, Hasten Slowly is open to further improvement.
Prediction : 1st First Dare 2nd Vischio 3rd Hasten Slowly

In-form gelding PRAY TELL can complete the hat-trick under James Smith. A winner at Kilbeggan in early September, the Desmond Kenneally-trained eight-year-old followed up with an impressive success at the Listowel Festival. A strong traveller, he should relish this tight track where he can come from off a likely fast pace. The front-running Baltic Bird is sure to make this a proper test under Oakley Brown. Runner-up in the Q.R. Handicap at Galway, the Bill Durkan-trained five-year-old remains nicely treated. Recent Gowran Park winner Park Of Kings arrives here in good form, so has to be respected for the Paul Nolan stable.
Prediction : 1st Pray Tell 2nd Baltic Bird 3rd Park Of Kings

Twice a winner over hurdles at this venue, MONBEG PARK holds strong claims for trainer Sean Thomas Doyle. Having got off the mark over fences at Wexford in July, the seven-year-old was runner-up to a potentially useful novice back at that same track recently. The Joseph O'Brien-trained Jordans is of definite interest on just his second start in this country. A four-time winner in his native France, the five-year-old made a pleasing Irish debut when chasing home a smart stablemate at Listowel. He should come on plenty from what was just his third run over fences. Willie Mullins' mare Pink In The Park is at her best on good ground so once the rain stays away, she has every chance.
Prediction : 1st Monbeg Park 2nd Jordans 3rd Pink In The Park

Henry de Bromhead's MINELLA INDO landed this race on his seasonal reappearance last year and could repeat the feat. He was last seen finishing third in the Grand National in April which was a very creditable effort. The admirable King George hero Hewick has tended to need his first run back, so may not be at his sharpest on his first outing since May. Visionarian is race-fit after winning a Grade 2 at Gowran Park recently, while Gordon Elliott's Minella Crooner and Conflated aren't out of it either.
Prediction : 1st Minella Indo 2nd Hewick 3rd Visionarian

DECIMATION represents an in-form stable and has prospects after a good run in second at Listowel. He was clearly outgunned by the winner, but the money came for him that day in a better class of race and he was nicely clear of the remainder. Cafe Del Mar has been hurdling for the most part but, the one time she was sighted over fences, she finished a good second at Wexford. Ardaghs Choice finished a place behind her in third at Wexford and is noted, while Greenway Machine is an honest veteran.
Prediction : 1st Decimation 2nd Cafe Del Mar 3rd Ardaghs Choice

A tricky race. FASCILE MODE landed two hurdle races at this track on his way to a peak mark of 133 in that sphere and catches the eye on chasing debut. Danny Mullins will give him a good steer. Hypotenus went off fast in Sligo and was reeled in after the final fence. He ran well for a long way, though, and could be dangerous off the front again. The suspicion is that there is more to come from Nine Graces, who hasn't put it all together in her two races over fences to date. Touch Me Not, Moon D'orange and Wandering Rocks are others pitching for prize money.
Prediction : 1st Fascile Mode 2nd Hypotenus 3rd Nine Graces

JERRY FROM KERRY looks a likely sort for Emmet Mullins after getting off the mark in a Ballinrobe bumper. He stayed on well to post a four-length victory there and the runner-up franked the form in no uncertain terms with a clear-cut success in Listowel. Friary Road showed his resolution to strike in Listowel and has to come under consideration for Ted Walsh, while Whinney Hill ought to have a future after being beaten by a neck in a point-to-point in February. He has switched to Gordon Elliott for his racecourse career and a market check is essential.
Prediction : 1st Jerry From Kerry 2nd Friary Road 3rd Whinney Hill