UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

STRAIGHT JOHN offered some encouragement at Leopardstown over Christmas and built on that to chase home the long odds-on Leader d'Allier here. He probably needs to step forward again, but is certainly going the right away. Gordon Elliott also saddles Doctor Elvis, who blew away the cobwebs in the Naas bumper won so devastatingly by Love Sign d'Aunou. Better is expected but the biggest test for the selection will probably come from Bulgaden Castle, who proved his 50/1 Naas third was no fluke when going one better at Thurles.
Prediction : 1st Straight John 2nd Bulgaden Castle 3rd Doctor Elvis

COURT COMPLIANCE has been consistent over hurdles and looks the most convincing option based on his potential to progress further. Each of his three second-placed finishes stacks up well in the context of this race and dropping back to 2m4f could be a rewarding move after he simply ran out of steam over a couple of furlongs further most recently. The well-bred Boedic is in the right hands to flourish as he gains experience and the Willie Mullins-trained gelding looks a bigger danger than the more exposed Newbrook Diamond just now.
Prediction : 1st Court Compliance 2nd Boedic 3rd Newbrook Diamond

COUSIN KATE continued her rapid rise with a Listed handicap success at the Dublin Racing Festival and there might still be more to come from Denis Hogan's mare. The daughter of Maxios takes on her half-sister Baby Kate, but the latter will need to find improvement and Lantry Lady looks the bigger threat. She was outclassed in the Galmoy latest and has been struggling for some time in truth, but this is a chance to bounce back. World Of Fortunes has run well in a couple of Listed contests the last twice and could benefit from a drop in trip.
Prediction : 1st Cousin Kate 2nd Lantry Lady 3rd World Of Fortunes

Despite carrying a penalty, HOW'S HANNAH should prove hard to beat. Successful in a point-to-point when in the care of Tim Townend, she impressed when following up on her debut for current connections in a bumper here last month. Easily beating Think It Through into second, that one had finished ahead of Torpille Dagrostis when they clashed at Limerick over Christmas. The Gordon Elliott-trained latter has since finished second in first-time cheekpieces on her debut over flights here and it will come as no great surprise if she goes close. Forever And A Day made some late gains to finish seventh on debut and could prove best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Hows Hannah 2nd Torpille Dagrostis 3rd Forever And A Day

With cheekpieces reapplied, SMALL TOWN HERO might be able to bounce back from a disappointing effort at the Dublin Racing Festival. In first-time blinkers, the Ian Donoghue-trained six-year-old pulled up at Leopardstown but had been a model of consistency prior to that, winning five times from July to December. Better known for his exploits over fences, Ontheropes is the second choice. On what was just his third start over the smaller obstacles, the 12-year-old ran a huge race to finish second to The Lovely Man at Gowran on Thyestes day, and had the reopposing Well Del and Portnacoo behind. Well Del was sent off favourite on that occasion and it'll be interesting to see how he fares now starting off for David Walsh.
Prediction : 1st Small Town Hero 2nd Ontheropes 3rd Well Del

A competitive affair, with James The Brave sure to be popular after his all-the-way win here. Landing a gamble on that occasion, he has been raised 5lb and could well follow up, with leading conditional Michael Kenneally again on board. For a selection, ELLIES ROCK is marginally preferred. Rated just 76, she has two solid efforts to her name since joining Terence O'Brien and after finishing second on her most recent start, it'll come as no surprise if she manages to go a place better. Third and sixth to Marelly at Gowran on Thyestes day, Bruno From Mars and Poets Oath are of interest, while C&D winner Johnny Cakes and Ross O'Sullivan's Driveonwill are other leading hopes.
Prediction : 1st Ellies Rock 2nd James The Brave 3rd Johnny Cakes

With no form to go on, this is a difficult contest to assess. Representing top connections, GILI ISLAND appears the one to beat. Bought for 45,000 euros as a foal, the Crystal Ocean bay is a half-brother to Mr Incredible, an enigmatic but talented individual who filled the runner-up spot in the Midlands National of 2024. Littlebeen is the second choice, with this one a half-sister to stable companion Whatcouldhavebeen, a four-time winner who was placed at the highest level over flights. Successful with Heads Up here on Sunday, John McConnell saddles Brady Hartsfield and he is the most interesting of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Gili Island 2nd Littlebeen 3rd Brady Hartsfield