UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

WHIMSY can gain an overdue win over jumps here. The mare has been placed eight times over timber, most recently when third in a decent rated novice event at Fairyhouse 19 days ago. The six-year-old has got her head in front three times on the Flat, so she knows how to win and this looks like a nice opportunity for her now over hurdles. The Gordon Elliott-trained Paul Collins was well beaten when sixth here last month but this looks like an easier task now and he's a contender on previous form. Adela Icon showed promise in bumpers and she warrants the utmost respect now tried over hurdles for Willie Mullins.
Prediction : 1st Whimsy 2nd Paul Collins 3rd Adela Icon

RUNCOK looks to have found a nice opportunity here on his jumping debut. The Cokoriko gelding has shown a decent level in bumpers and wasn't beaten far when fifth to De Temps En Temps at Fairyhouse last month. This looks like a weak enough event for the course. Fortunate Lighting has had lengthy enough gaps between runs but was a Galway bumper winner a couple of years ago and shaped with promise on his hurdling debut at Tipperary when last seen in April. Lambay Island was a moderate enough fourth on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse but is entitled to improve on that display.
Prediction : 1st Runcok 2nd Fortunate Lighting 3rd Lambay Island

FAMILIAR DREAMS needs to jump a bit better on her second outing over hurdles but is a classy sort and can get off the mark now over timber. The four-time bumper winner was no match for the exciting Maughreen on her hurdling bow, fading late on to finish third here last month. With that experience under her belt, she should step forward though. Willie Mullins saddles two in this and Paul Townend rides the long-absent Toad Hall. The Fame And Glory gelding chased home a smart horse in Shannon Royale in a bumper back in April 2023. His stablemate Leaky Cauldron may do better now over jumps having been well beaten in a Leopardstown bumper at Christmas.
Prediction : 1st Familiar Dreams 2nd Toad Hall 3rd Leaky Cauldron

AFFINITY ROCK ran well for a long way in a stronger maiden hurdle at Naas in December and should play a big part in this now. The daughter of Affinisea had won a point-to-point at Dromahane in impressive fashion the previous month and going up in trip now should suit. Mayo Shirocco is another point-to-point winner who has to be on the shortlist. The Colin Bowe-trained mare won between the flags in October and the third horse was placed in a bumper at Newcastle recently. The Gordon Elliott-trained newcomer Creadan Grace is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Affinity Rock 2nd Mayo Shirocco 3rd Creadan Grace

There looks to be a race in ROKATHIR off this kind of mark. The Muhtathir gelding was running a big race in a beginners chase here last month before falling at the second-last fence. That looked like an improved performance from what he had shown over timber last season and he could be nicely treated here off a mark of 97. Lucky Viv got a 7lb rise for her victory over slightly shorter here 21 days ago. She saw out the trip well that day and should be competitive again. Heroes Rise was a solid third at Fairyhouse last time, despite getting turned over at a short price. He is respected but may need better ground.
Prediction : 1st Rokathir 2nd Lucky Viv 3rd Heroes Rise

BLUE REED made a bold bid from the front around Fairyhouse last month. The Cian Collins-trained gelding shot off into a huge lead but then tired late on as the in-form Duffys Hodey pounced on the run-in. The form looks solid with the winner following up since and Blue Reed is capable of winning off this kind of mark. Coffeys Forge has been placed on his last couple of starts and is another to consider, while a good case can also be made for Lariat.
Prediction : 1st Blue Reed 2nd Coffeys Forge 3rd Lariat

Mighty Soldier was a staying-on third behind Bridie's Beau here last time and the winner has franked that form since, so he looks a big player. Johnny Cakes disappointed favourite backers at Clonmel but might be worth another chance, although BUTCHERS BILL makes more appeal for Gordon Elliott. He showed a little bit more last time out in a Fairyhouse maiden and is very interesting now sent handicapping for the first time.
Prediction : 1st Butchers Bill 2nd Mighty Soldier 3rd Johnny Cakes

Gordon Elliott has two in this representing leading owners and the betting market may prove the best guide. Harry Swan takes the mount on SANTO SOSPIR and he could prove the pick in a race where only one has previous form. The Motivator gelding is a half-brother to a decent sort in Tyre Kicker and a mare who was Listed-placed in France. Jeu St Eloi gelding Lord Tobin runs in the Gigginstown colours. He cost 85,000 euros as a three-year-old and is a half-brother to hurdle winner Halligator. Gavin Cromwell's Top Coeur is another to keep an eye on.
Prediction : 1st Santo Sospir 2nd Lord Tobin 3rd Top Coeur