Punchestown Racecourse: Preview and tips for Tuesday’s eight-race meeting
Jump racing returns to Punchestown Racecourse on Tuesday Photo: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
It’s Punchestown Racecourse’s Jumps Are Back meeting this week and the first day of action brings us eight competitive races; seven over hurdles and a bumper to conclude the card.
Read on for a preview of the Punchestown card from Betano, who have all the horse racing odds.
We kick off with a three-year-olds’ two-mile hurdle (13.35). John Queally’s Danny Power has only been seen once before, winning easily at Listowel in September. He should be ready to strike again, but the new Flat convert Kenough might be a danger, coming from Joseph O’Brien’s yard. Gordon Elliott’s Contador has to be taken seriously as well in the Gigginstown colours.
The next race is a two-mile handicap hurdle (14.10). Beyond Forgiveness has shown some ability so far and should be more within his comfort zone here, while Houndsworth looks competitive once again, despite being up against older horses here. Pavilion End ran well over course and distance last year in a maiden and, now in a handicap and fit from a Flat campaign, he has a chance.
Race three is a Challenge Series Hurdle run over three miles (14.45). Buddy One and Senecia as the highest rated, the latter by a particularly large margin, and he ought to be outclassing the rest here, but is below form at present. Buddy One is doing better, as of his latest run, and is the one to beat.
Following is a three-mile handicap hurdle (15.20). Arctic Flame went well last time out and is on the same mark today, stepping up in trip for the first time, which ought to suit this daughter of Walk In The Park. Getaway Charlie has been going well for his claiming rider, and he might factor. Pilgrims Walk is improving and, though on a new high mark, might take advantage of his low weight and addition of a seven-pound claiming rider.
The fifth race is a two and a half mile maiden hurdle (15.55). There is plenty of choice here, with Pat O’s Rock and The Risky Miskies having won their latest races impressively, albeit the latter’s was a point-to-point. Pat O’s Rock is unexposed, having run twice in bumpers, the most recent of which she won by a highly impressive 12 lengths. She looks exciting and comes from a yard in great form. The Rebel Fox is her main opponent.
Next is the first division of a handicap hurdle run over two and a half miles (16.30). Poetic Focus was only beaten a nose last time out and can get in the mix again, while Talas Kera still looks handy despite a recent three-pound rise. Hob’s Angel was unlucky to unseat early doors when moderately fancied last time out and could be a big player here again.
In the second division (17.07), No Big Deal looks likely to jump off well-backed after a close fourth of 20 last time. Tuckmill, though, might be more competitively handicapped and has the advantage of a claiming rider in the saddle to help his case.
Finally, we have a bumper to wrap things up (17.40). There are a few newcomers in here to mix it up a bit, and they are hard to quantify on paper with their nice pedigrees. Junction Road went well on debut in a mares’ race and looks to come on for the run, while Patrick Mullins’ rides are usually worth paying attention to; Eastern Whisper is a late-debuting daughter of Sea The Stars who is worth looking at, particularly if the market is warm.
