UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

HIGH CLASS HERO was last seen finishing runner-up in a Grade 1 novice hurdle over 3m at Punchestown in May and is of obvious interest on his chasing debut. Shannon Royale has filled the runner-up berth on both of his previous starts over fences. On those occasions, he was beaten by a Mullins inmate and he has two of them to beat here as the champion trainer also saddles Loughglynn, who was a Grade 2 winner over hurdles.
Prediction : 1st High Class Hero 2nd Loughglynn 3rd Shannon Royale

FOLLY MASTER ran a cracker on his return from a nine-month absence at Navan recently. Over a trip short of his optimum, the six-year-old kept on well in the closing stages to finish a never-nearer second and another good run can be expected. A winner at the Cheltenham Festival in 2022, Brazil warrants the utmost respect on his handicap debut over fences. The dual-course victor Hardwired, Listentillitellya and Noble Talent are other leading hopes.
Prediction : 1st Folly Master 2nd Brazil 3rd Hardwired

French recruit SAINTE LUCIE has to be given plenty of respect ahead of her Irish debut. On her sole start in her native country, she was third at Auteuil in April and ought to be one of the leading contenders now with Willie Mullins. There was plenty of promise in Young Churchill's third on debut over hurdles at Fairyhouse and he could be the main threat. Chortal was four lengths behind him in fourth that day and there is likely to be more to come from him.
Prediction : 1st Sainte Lucie 2nd Young Churchill 3rd Chortal

SAINT SAM has been in terrific form of late, mixing hurdling and chasing, and could repeat his victory in this race from 2022. His stablemate Sir Gerhard won the renewal a year ago and could enjoy these calmer waters after finding life difficult in Grade 1 company on his last two starts. Ballyadam is making his seasonal reappearance but cannot be ruled out, while Relieved Of Duties is up in class after putting his rivals to the sword in a maiden hurdle at Cork.
Prediction : 1st Saint Sam 2nd Sir Gerhard 3rd Ballyadam

A winner on handicap debut at Listowel two starts back, THE NAGGER REIDY was clear of the remainder when narrowly beaten over 2m4f at Tipperary last month. The horse that beat him followed up at Leopardstown a few days ago and he can defy a 5lb hike under in-form rider J J Slevin. Farmers Lodge was a warm order when easily beating In For The Night in a 24-runner Fairyhouse handicap. He has been heavily penalised for that success but is open to more improvement.
Prediction : 1st The Nagger Reidy 2nd Farmers Lodge 3rd In For The Night

Ross O'Sullivan fitted a tongue-tie on BISHBASHBOSH when the daughter of Malinas made her stable debut at Naas earlier in the month. On just her second handicap start and after a couple of months off, she put in a good shift and can confirm form with Shing Shilla, who was a place behind her in fifth. Klassman has improved in recent starts and his Thurles conqueror showed up well at Leopardstown on Saturday. Destivelle is a long-standing maiden but has been running creditably of late and might be place material.
Prediction : 1st Bishbashbosh 2nd Klassman 3rd Destivelle

Gordon Elliott saddles two interesting newcomers in the shape of Kisuton Enki and The Queen Of Zim. Bought for 160,000 euros at the Tattersalls Derby Sale, the former is a half-sister to 11-time winner Yala Enki. A Bective Stud homebred, The Queen Of Zim is a half-sister to high-class stable companion The Yellow Clay. The winner of a point-to-point in May, Bambino Fever is of definite interest on her debut for Willie Mullins, while Sam Curling's Derryville is another leading hope. For a selection it might be worth taking a chance on JOLIE FOLIE. She showed some promise on debut at Navan earlier this month and it'll be interesting to see if she can build on that performance.
Prediction : 1st Jolie Folie 2nd The Queen Of Zim 3rd Kisuton Enki