UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

SWITCH FROM DIESEL transitioned from bumpers only last November and scored smartly over course and distance last month. Grade 1 placed in bumpers, the selection could be hard to beat once again. Magico scored on his hurdles debut last month and he too looks to be a smart prospect. Rated 92 on the Flat last year, his jumping technique should improve with experience and his rider claims 7lb, but faces a stiff task against the selection. Playtime is dependable but might struggle to win in this company.
Prediction : 1st Switch From Diesel 2nd Magico 3rd Playtime

A dual hurdles winner and rated 123 in that sphere last year, STUNTMAN STEVE was well held behind smart types in his initial chase runs but hasn't enjoyed much luck over fences since. He was pulled up with a broken stirrup leather at Tramore eight days ago and now competes from a light weight, under a 7lb claimer. Indiana Jones hasn't won since March 2023 but ran well in smart handicaps at Aintree and here recently. Birdie Or Bust has claims on her best form, while Park That is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Stuntman Steve 2nd Indiana Jones 3rd Birdie Or Bust

Ground versatile and a previous course winner, DA CAPO GLORY wasn't disgraced over hurdles at Cheltenham in March and chased home a capable type at Killarney last month. He can put his experience to good use under a 7lb claimer. Chase-debutant Fillyoureye is similarly ridden by a 7lb claimer and stays well, while Kainsbourg was Grade 2 placed over hurdles last October.
Prediction : 1st Da Capo Glory 2nd Fillyoureye 3rd Kainsbourg

MISTYBURN came good over hurdles in April and reverts to fences under a light weight. A point-to-point winner, the selection's initial hurdles and chase form was ordinary but has run well twice this year and having scored at Kilbeggan, races off a chase rating which is 2lb below his hurdles mark. A Year Older was penalised 4lb for falling, having travelled well, at the fourth-last fence at Down Royal in April and scored subsequently at Limerick last month. He is another 5lb higher today but stays well and is likely to be competitive once again. Recent winners North Of Nashville and Il Silenzio appear best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Mistyburn 2nd A Year Older 3rd North Of Nashville

EASTER BONNET may be able to make a winning start over jumps. Willie Mullins' charge was pulled up in a Listed bumper at Navan when last seen in November, reportedly losing her action then. She had won impressively at this venue on her debut previously and looks to have a fair level of ability. Cailin Deas ran well on her return at Downpatrick when third to Mr Master Mac and could improve from that outing. She was a touch keen then and is fitted with a hood now. Firebrand has been placed five times over hurdles and should play a part on his return to action.
Prediction : 1st Easter Bonnet 2nd Cailin Deas 3rd Firebrand

LIVIO, a Grade 3 bumper winner in his native land, kept on to finish third to Hi Ho Idaho on his Irish debut at Killarney last month and the drop in trip is unlikely to be an issue for Willie Mullins' gelding. Sestini looks like an obvious danger after a solid run to finish third on his hurdling debut at Cork last month. Lizzie Twigg won a bumper on her debut at Down Royal and wasn't disgraced in a Listed contest at Fairyhouse subsequently. She could be a player now on her jumping bow.
Prediction : 1st Livio 2nd Sestini 3rd Lizzie Twigg

ANGELO DUNDEE needs to sharpen up on his jumping from his initial effort at Down Royal but looks up to landing a race of this standard. The Authorized gelding finished third to Berto Ramirez on his first outing for Henry de Bromhead. He won a bumper on his debut here back in April 2023 and should be suited by going a bit further now. Petit Secret was disappointing on his latest outing at Fairyhouse but would be a big player on his previous placed effort at Leopardstown. Brother Walfrid is another to bear in mind.
Prediction : 1st Angelo Dundee 2nd Petit Secret 3rd Brother Walfrid

WORKING CLASS HERO can get his turn here after two runner-up efforts. The gelding has finished second here twice and only lost out by a head to Emerald Enigma in a cracking finish last month. Joseph O'Brien saddles a couple of newcomers and Dieux Diligence is noteworthy with John Gleeson on board. The Saddex gelding is out of a winning half-sister to a Listed chase winner in France. Iron Sword is another to keep an eye on making his racecourse bow.
Prediction : 1st Working Class Hero 2nd Dieux Diligence 3rd Iron Sword