UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

Ian McCarthy looks to have a strong hand here, saddling both FOUNTAIN HOUSE and recent Cork winner Eyes Off Annie. The former is difficult to oppose having won his last three. He easily accounted for Gale Force Jet, Asphalt Cowboy, Hey Sir, The Blind Piper and Man Of The House when successful in a point-to-point at this venue in February and having added two more wins since, he can uphold the form. The aforementioned Gale Force Jet represents last year's winning connections and while he disappointed on his most recent start at Tramore, he mightn't have been suited by the undulations of the track, and a much improved performance can be expected from him now.
Prediction : 1st Fountain House 2nd Gale Force Jet 3rd Eyes Off Annie

While he just can't get the rub of the green at Cheltenham, ITS ON THE LINE has excelled at Punchestown. Bidding for his third straight win in this contest, the Presenting eight-year-old is difficult to oppose. The youngest runner in the line-up at six, Big Interest is an obvious danger. A facile winner at Fairyhouse last week, the David Christie-trained bay appears to be back on song after some muddling efforts prior to that win. Third and just three-and-a-quarter lengths behind the selection at Prestbury Park, Willitgoahead is another leading contender, despite since disappointing at Aintree, while UK raider Viroflay and Cheltenham sixth Carnfunnock are others of interest.
Prediction : 1st Its On The Line 2nd Big Interest 3rd Willitgoahead

The first three home in the Cheltenham equivalent all line-up again here, with DINOBLUE taken to uphold the form. Sweeping by the re-opposing Allegorie De Vassy on the run to the last at Prestbury Park, her task was made all the easier by the fall of her stable companion. The pair have now met three times, with the selection coming out on top on each occasion thus far. Second at Cheltenham and the winner of this race last year, it'll be interesting to see if first time cheekpieces can bring about some improvement in Brides Hill. Coming from well off the pace to finish an admirable seventh in the Irish National last week, Shecouldbeanything also warrants respect.
Prediction : 1st Dinoblue 2nd Brides Hill 3rd Shecouldbeanything

A fiercely competitive affair, with Willie Mullins saddling five of the 20. Lurking towards the bottom of the handicap is his LISNAGAR FORTUNE, and with Danny Mullins aboard he is of definite interest. Two from two at the venue, the Soldier Of Fortune seven-year-old makes his debut in handicap company here and could be primed for a big run. One of three Henry de Bromhead-trained representatives in the line-up, Theatre Native is sure to have plenty of supporters after her impressive Cheltenham success, while Nara, who has won two of her last three, is another leading hope. A case can be made for many more, with Cleatus Poolaw and Prince Palace two others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Lisnagar Fortune 2nd Theatre Native 3rd Nara

Final Demand and THE YELLOW CLAY look the two to concentrate on with preference for the latter on this surface. Final Demand was very impressive over 2m6f on soft ground at the Dublin Racing Festival but was nearly five lengths behind the selection as the pair filled the places in the 2m5f Turners Novices' Hurdle won by The New Lion at Cheltenham. Funiculi Funicula put up a career best last time when third to Honesty Policy over 2m4f at Aintree, while Belloccio's third to Irancy at Fairyhouse has been advertised this week. Tripoli Flyer appears best going right-handed but the Grade 2 winner needs to bounce back after disappointing at Aintree.
Prediction : 1st The Yellow Clay 2nd Final Demand 3rd Funiculi Funicula

There are plenty of questions after some high-profile recent falls for those at the head of the market and hopefully all will get around to provide the answers. CONSTITUTION HILL had a perfect record under Rules until falling on his latest two starts, although both came way too early to be definitive about his prospects and he remains the standard bearer in this division. State Man was clear when falling at the last at Cheltenham leaving the way for Golden Ace to record a shock 25/1 win. State Man showed he still has plenty to offer at this level and should make a bold bid to land this prize for a third successive year.
Prediction : 1st Constitution Hill 2nd State Man 3rd Golden Ace

ZOFFMAN is a useful Flat handicapper with a rating of 91 and has taken well to hurdles winning a 19-runner Naas maiden in good style. The Noel Meade-trained gelding has scope for further improvement and should be happy on this surface. Runcok won a maiden here on heavy ground before taking on Grade 2 company last time, while Naturally Nimble is another interesting contender taking a drop in class. Khrisma, a smart bumper performer in France, performed well on her hurdling debut at Windsor and is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Zoffman 2nd Runcok 3rd Naturally Nimble

KING RASKO GREY ran a cracker on debut in the valuable Goffs Bumper here 12 months ago when keeping on well into fourth behind Sermandzarak. The son of Galiway has obviously had some training issues since and it will be interesting to see how strong he is in the market. The Gordon Elliott-trained pair Ma Jacks Hill and Riskaway have both shown decent placed form and are respected along with Soldier In Milan, who impressed when winning a point-to-point last year.
Prediction : 1st King Rasko Grey 2nd Ma Jacks Hill 3rd Soldier In Milan