Punchestown Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Wednesday’s Eight-Race Meeting
There is a meeting at Punchestown this evening Photo: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
While the Flat season is fully underway, there is a National Hunt meeting on at Punchestown Racecourse on Wednesday evening, with eight races to get stuck into’ seven hurdles and a bumper to conclude the card.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Punchestown card, brought to you by BOYLE Sports, providers of today’s horse racing odds.
We begin with a two-mile maiden hurdle for four-year-olds (4.47). Five of the eight runners have been seen before, of which the Gordon Elliott-trained Porcupine Bank seems to be one of the best, having placed third of 15 on debut at Tramore. He’s likely to improve for today, but the Willie Mullins-trained Noemie De La Vis has also shown plenty of ability, despite being outclassed in Grade One company at Cheltenham.
Another two-mile maiden hurdle follows (5.20). There are a trio of debutants here; Valverdeagain, Siofra Beag (who has run on the Flat) and Glendaars Crystal. Full Of Shade showed some ability when racing in France three years ago and returns to the track today, while Chisel Hill could be handy on the better ground here, having finished a credible sixth of 15 on heavy ground at this track over further in February.
Race three is the first division of a two-mile handicap hurdle (5.50). This is a low-grade race with little in the way of good recent form to go on, but Padraig Butler’s Amburana picked up a place when last seen and could go well again from the same mark. Single Edition hasn’t run since September but should like the conditions, but Hickeys Hill looks more likely.
In division two (6.20), which looks a little more competitive, Enda Bolger’s Tippin And Tappin comes on the back of a hat-trick last summer and a lengthy break since, while Ode To Joy placed well at Bellewstown last time. Last-start winner Spanish Maid looks handy again here, given five pounds by rider Michael Kenneally, but might want softer ground.
A three-mile maiden hurdle follows (6.50). Union Boy is a newcomer, while Plastic Paddy switches codes from the Flat for the first time. Quest For Answers and That’s It Paddy are both tried under Rules for the first time also, having run in point-to-points, the former being a winner. His success was by such a great margin of 20 lengths that he must be taken seriously here. Captains Speech sets the standard on existing form though.
The first division of a three-mile handicap hurdle is next (7.20). The JP McManus-owned Where Are You now placed when last seen, as did Schiehallion, who looks better suited to the ground conditions today. Sheer Raz looks able to get involved too for Gavin Cromwell.
In the second division (7.50), the Peter Flood-trained Annie Button is the only last-start winner and carries a seven-pound penalty as a result, making a further success look unlikely. Orlando Spirit could run a good race, as could Queen Kulina, who should like the ground and the trip.
We conclude with a bumper (8.20). With numerous first-timers running here, it’s hard to get an accurate view of the race, but Willie Mullins’ Emerald Enigma sets the standard, having won on debut at Cork in March. Working Class Hero could also factor here after a good placing at this track a week ago.
4.47 - Noemie De Las Vis
5.20 - Chisel Hill
5.50 - Hickeys Hill
6.20 - Ode To Joy
6.50 - Captains Speech
7.20 - Schiehallion
7.50 - Queen Kulina
8.20 - Emerald Enigma
