UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

LEADER D'ALLIER can end a somewhat frustrating season on a winning note. A five-time scorer in his native France, the Willie Mullins-trained gelding made a satisfactory Irish debut at Leopardstown over Christmas, at a time when his stable wasn't firing on all cylinders. An impressive winner at this circuit next time, the five-year-old had been a Supreme Novices' Hurdle contender before suffering a last-minute setback. Although well beaten at Fairyhouse earlier this month, a bad mistake three out all but ended his chances and he can show his true ability here. Royal Bond fourth Gameball has to be a strong candidate on his first start since November. Unbeaten in a point-to-point, a bumper and a maiden hurdle, Nadia''s Boy also holds claims.
Prediction : 1st Leader Dallier 2nd Gameball 3rd Nadias Boy

FUTURE PROSPECT is a tentative selection in a race where Willie Mullins holds a strong hand. An easy winner at Naas in January, the Order Of St George mare failed to fire when pulled up at Cheltenham next time out. However, that was almost certainly not her true running and she proved as much when fourth in a Grade 1 at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival recently. Stablemate Diamond Du Berlais made a winning debut for Mullins at Ludlow before finishing an excellent sixth in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. A reproduction of that effort would make her hard to beat. The third Mullins representative Blue Velvet is also not without her chance.
Prediction : 1st Future Prospect 2nd Diamond Du Berlais 3rd Blue Velvet

Runner-up last year, DESERTMORE HOUSE can go one place better. In front when a mistake at the last arguably cost him the race, the Martin Brassil-trained gelding returned here to easily land the Risk Of Thunder Chase in November. Although only eighth in the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham, the 11-year-old should appreciate returning to this venue. Defending champion Busselton deserves plenty of respect in his bid to follow up. He hasn't been in the same form this year, but a recent switch to 'banks king' Enda Bolger could help rejuvenate the nine-year-old. Cheltenham third Vanillier is another former winner at this track and is not without his chance.
Prediction : 1st Desertmore House 2nd Busselton 3rd Vanillier

Leinster National winner THE LOVELY MAN looks well treated on his return to hurdling. Gavin Cromwell's seven-year-old is a versatile sort who followed up a chase win at Navan in December by scoring over flights at Gowran Park. Given that he appears to have progressed again since his most recent run over the smaller obstacles, he should be a leading contender. Recent Fairyhouse runner-up Blue Mosque is a strong traveller who sees out her races well and the Noel Meade-trained mare is unlikely to be far away. Duke Silver ran a bit below par at Aintree last time but, on his Cheltenham sixth, he would hold every chance.
Prediction : 1st The Lovely Man 2nd Blue Mosque 3rd Duke Silver

RAFFLES DOLCE VITA could be hard to peg back if getting away in front. The Kapgarde gelding really blossomed under front-running tactics at Leopardstown early last month when a cosy winner. He beat the reopposing Come Walk With Me, who went on to score at Fairyhouse, and he is actually a few pounds better off now. English raider Escapeandevade has to be respected. Harry Derham's charge has been progressive and ran well to chase home Palacio at Newbury last time.
Prediction : 1st Raffles Dolce Vita 2nd Come Walk With Me 3rd Escapeandevade

KOPEK DES BORDES looked like an unlucky loser at Cheltenham last month and should prove hard to beat. The No Risk At All gelding swooped through to lead in the Arkle, but pecked at the final fence and couldn't pick up again as stablemate Kargese rallied to land the spoils. That was only his second chase start and he's entitled to improve. Irish Panther ran a fine race in the Champion Chase and may have been closer but for a bad mistake at the last. He's the danger. Salvator Mundi didn't jump with any great fluency in Aintree, but is talented and another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Kopek Des Bordes 2nd Irish Panther 3rd Salvator Mundi

TEAHUPOO can land his hat-trick in this event. He got outpaced a bit in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham on the run to the second last and Gordon Elliott is hoping that the application of blinkers now can help him travel better. He's the class act on the pick of his form. Old rival Bob Olinger, who carries the same colours, was a fine third at Cheltenham and retains plenty of ability. He looks like an obvious danger, while Honesty Policy is next best.
Prediction : 1st Teahupoo 2nd Bob Olinger 3rd Honesty Policy

QUIRYN ran really well at Cheltenham, considering how keenly he raced, and looks the one to beat here. He was in Paul Townend's hands the whole way last month but was bang there a furlong from home before fading a touch late on to finish sixth. It was a big effort and he remains a very exciting prospect. Adaboy Mushy looked like a nice sort when scoring on his debut at Leopardstown. Barry Stone takes a useful 7lb off his back and he could play a big part. Soul Asylum is another for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Quiryn 2nd Adaboy Mushy 3rd Soul Asylum