UK Horse Racing Tips: Punchestown

KENOUGH is probably the pick of these from the Flat and showed definite promise on both outings at the Curragh. The Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding ran on the opening day of the turf season and was absent until again finishing well when fourth over 1m2f last month. Danny Power scored in fine style on debut at Listowel last month and could be the main threat, while Sea Of Dubka is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Kenough 2nd Danny Power 3rd Sea Of Dubka

SILLY MONGOOSE won a Kilbeggan maiden in June and was placed in a Clonmel handicap most recently. That race has already thrown up a couple of subsequent winners, and the Pat Foley-trained gelding may prove difficult to beat. Chantilly Wings has shown plenty of promise in maiden hurdles and was again placed when switched to handicap company at Downpatrick last month. Beyond Forgiveness probably found 2m6f too far at Listowel last time and is a threat on handicap debut, while Pavilion End is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Silly Mongoose 2nd Chantilly Wings 3rd Beyond Forgiveness

BUDDY ONE held a career-high rating of 155 over hurdles and he may have been found a good opportunity to record a sixth win under all codes. The selection was far from disgraced in the Galway Plate this summer and had Samui behind when third over hurdles at the same venue last month. Sandor Clegane should not be underestimated back over timber, while Senecia is also worthy of consideration.
Prediction : 1st Buddy One 2nd Samui 3rd Sandor Clegane

LIVE TO LAUGH showed plenty of promise when third off this mark at Listowel a couple of weeks ago and that form gives him a big chance here. Labondance had useful form in France and an initial mark of 105 could prove to be lenient. Smackwater Jack is a dual course winner and is up 5lb for last week's victory at Fairyhouse. The veteran enjoys a sound surface and will have conditions to suit once again.
Prediction : 1st Live To Laugh 2nd Labondance 3rd Smackwater Jack

Ballinrobe bumper winner EALU TAPA ran well on his second start over hurdles when fourth to smart Flat stayer Dallas Star over 2m at Navan. He split a pair of subsequent winners and this step up in trip is likely to suit the Getaway gelding. Pat O's Rock won a 2m3f bumper easily at Kilbeggan and there are lots of winning hurdlers in her pedigree. Runner-up in three maidens this year, Doctor Elvis has a healthy rating and should not be written off.
Prediction : 1st Ealu Tapa 2nd Pat Os Rock 3rd Doctor Elvis

After a few near misses, GRANLAHAN bolted up when sent off odds-on favourite at Fairyhouse on Saturday and only has to carry a 7lb penalty. He's stepping back up in trip from 2m, which is a slight concern, but ran a cracker over an extended 2m2f when chasing home a well-treated rival at Listowel in September. Bossy Bird was a hampered second over 2m4f on her latest start in this grade at Cork in July and will appreciate dropping in class after a respectable run at Ballinrobe. Poetic Focus is up 3lb after being touched off over a longer trip at Clonmel.
Prediction : 1st Granlahan 2nd Bossy Bird 3rd Poetic Focus

LEO MESSY should have more to offer after just three runs in handicaps. He stayed on well over 2m1f when placed at Cork and his front-running fourth over 2m3f at Navan is solid form for the grade, with the winner following up next time and the second running well at Listowel. The six-year-old can turn around a narrow deficit with the much more exposed Navan third Tuckmill. No Big Deal was a winner last October at Clonmel and comes here on the back of a good effort at Gowran. Las Brisas Boy is another to take seriously.
Prediction : 1st Leo Messy 2nd No Big Deal 3rd Las Brisas Boy

BACK IN FAVOUR has been running creditably against geldings and might be able to strike here in mares' company. Third at the Galway Festival, she filled the same position behind a smart newcomer at Listowel and the runner-up landed a maiden hurdle last week. Eastern Whisper is a newcomer to note with Patrick Mullins in the plate. The Sea The Stars five-year-old is out of a Listed-placed, 1m4f winner in France, and the jockey booking is really interesting. There was market support for Junction Road before her debut fifth at Down Royal and she has since joined Henry de Bromhead.
Prediction : 1st Back In Favour 2nd Eastern Whisper 3rd Junction Road