UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

Gordon Elliott's ARCH EMPIRE kept an odds-on winner more than honest when second over further at Killarney and could double his career total. Belle The Tigress has to rate a danger in receipt of the mares' allowance, as she was a decisive winner when last seen at Clonmel in May. Black Heather can be a factor, while Timeless Treaty and Sticktotheplan, who shed their maiden tags at Down Royal and Listowel respectively, make this a very competitive event.
Prediction : 1st Arch Empire 2nd Belle The Tigress 3rd Black Heather

SAYLAVEE made a promising start to her chasing career last season, when winning at Killarney and Tramore, and filled the runner-up berth in a Grade 3 novice chase at Galway. Dutch Schultz has been outrunning his odds on his last couple of starts and another good show looks likely. The Banger Doyle faced a tough task behind an odds-on favourite at Listowel, but did win this race last year and has a very good record in Punchestown.
Prediction : 1st Saylavee 2nd Dutch Schultz 3rd The Banger Doyle

PRINCE ZALTAR's second at this track earlier in the year reads well as the third came out and landed the Kim Muir and there should be a handicap chase in him off this mark. Riggs is going from strength to strength over fences this season and has prospects of bringing up the hat-trick. Meehall is capable of picking up prize money, while Western Model and General Hubble both hold chances.
Prediction : 1st Prince Zaltar 2nd Riggs 3rd Meehall

The form of JOUEUR MASQUE's opening fourth in a maiden hurdle at Navan in December received several boosts, but he wasn't at that level when last seen. He's had time off since then, though, and cannot be written off. The 115-rated Harry's Legacy has shown enough to suggest a maiden hurdle could be within his compass. Arctic Flame's second place behind an odds-on winner at Clonmel brings her into the equation, while Speedy Box is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Joueur Masque 2nd Harrys Legacy 3rd Arctic Flame

A beaten favourite at last year's Galway Festival, the Willie Mullins-trained SYSKO can recover losses. Successful on his only start on the Flat in his native France, the five-year-old should be all the better for that initial run over flights. This looks a nice opportunity for him to get his head in front before potentially returning to Ballybrit next month. Point-to-point winner Son Of Anarchy has yet to strike under Rules, but has shaped with plenty of promise on occasion. Stepping back up in trip here should suit the Soldier Of Fortune gelding. Killarney runner-up Big Dispute has every chance if able to reproduce that effort on a track which should suit his prominent racing style.
Prediction : 1st Sysko 2nd Son Of Anarchy 3rd Big Dispute

Having lost out narrowly in a similar grade at Limerick recently, KLASSMAN can gain some compensation. Shane Nolan's seven-year-old is a strong traveller who should be suited to stepping back up to three miles. Having pulled almost three lengths clear of the third in that aforementioned contest, a rise of 3lb seems lenient. The son of Jet Away can register a first success at the 16th time of asking. Barryroe Madam has to be respected in her bid to follow up last week's Listowel success. James Smith, who is excellent value for his 5lb claim, takes the ride once again. Ashdale Flyer and Kalaroun are also worthy of consideration in an open contest.
Prediction : 1st Klassman 2nd Barryroe Madam 3rd Ashdale Flyer

The lightly-raced DRIVEONWILL is worth another chance to show that he could be well treated off a mark of 95. Sent off a well-backed favourite on each of his last two starts, the Ross O'Sullivan-trained gelding had excuses on both occasions. Granted a better round of jumping, it will be disappointing if he isn't right in the mix. Lummi Island, who would almost certainly have won but for a final-flight exit at Limerick in March, rates the main threat. Following a nice confidence booster at Tipperary last month, the seven-year-old should be spot-on for this race. County Champs, who finished a place in front of Lummi Island when third in that aforementioned contest, should again be involved.
Prediction : 1st Driveonwill 2nd Lummi Island 3rd County Champs

The eye is immediately drawn to the well-bred Willie Mullins-trained DAVY CROCKETT. A half-brother to a dual Grade 1 winner, the son of Camelot is out of Champion Hurdler Annie Power. Owned in partnership by Mrs John Magnier and J.P. McManus, the four-year-old has plenty to live up to. Our Sonny, who finished sixth over course and distance at the festival here in April, looks a real threat. The Tom Mullins-trained Capri gelding sets a fair standard in this closing contest. Ballinrobe winner Jules Winfield has to concede weight to his rivals but the Tony Martin-trained gelding has looked a smart prospect on both starts to date.
Prediction : 1st Davy Crockett 2nd Our Sonny 3rd Jules Winfield