The Jumps Are Back! Preview and tips for Punchestown Tuesday's race card

It’s Punchestown Racecourse’s eagerly awaited The Jumps Are Back meeting this week, and day one hosts seven competitive races; six hurdle contests and a mares’ bumper. Punchestown offers Ireland’s second best value for money on a racecourse, according to the Racing Post, making this meeting all the more unmissable.

Read on for a full preview of and tips for the Punchestown card, courtesy of Boyle Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing betting.

The action begins with a two-mile three-year-olds’ hurdle (2.05). There are plenty of prominent stables and connections represented here, with the Munir and Souede-owned Cinammon Coco taking centre stage for Joseph O’Brien, having won very impressively when last seen at Down Royal. William Durkan’s Hopes Are High might be slightly better qualified on the yielding ground, but the going description is unlikely to get any worse than it is, and this horse carries a penalty too.

Next is a two-mile handicap hurdle (2.35). Liam O’Brien’s Dairy Force, a maiden hurdle winner last year, may be underestimated by the market, having unseated at the first on reappearance this month. On his best form, he could have an each-way shout. Eastmore could be a big player, but arguably is better over longer trips than a sharp two miles. Watching The Clock won nicely last time at Gowran Park for JP McManus, but that was on soft ground and her form on a sounder surface is more ordinary.

Race three is a hurdle race run over two miles and three furlongs (3.05). Wendrock has been declared a non-runner, leaving a field of just four behind. Andrew Slattery’s Smooth Tom won his last hurdle start at Cork. That was only a two-runner race, but his opponent was the useful Mozzies Sister, so the form can’t be discounted. As he carries a penalty now, though, Glen Kiln, who looked a likely winner on reappearance at Tipperary when unseating, ought to be the winner. He tops the ratings and is a versatile type who can oblige today for David Kelly.

A two and a half mile maiden hurdle is next (3.35). We have a pair of first-timers here; Come On McCaff and Back Light, both of whom are probably going to be more useful later in their careers. The best two appear to be Gavin Cromwell’s new recruit Reiki Revolution and Youre A Derry Girl. These two have placing form over hurdles, where the rest haven’t shown as much ability yet. Given seven pounds by her rider, Youre A Derry Girl might prove to have a weight advantage.

Race five is a handicap hurdle over the same trip (4.05). Padraig Roche’s I’m Flattered could be better than the market suggests, given the conditions he likes and having hinted at staying ability on that ground when winning at Kilbeggan in August. Gortmore Lady could run a nice race too and pick up a place, while Demanding Gerry is a likely type for the win after two close seconds on his most recent appearances.

The penultimate race is a handicap hurdle run over two miles and seven furlongs (4.36). Rising Dust, Sign From Above and Duke Silver all won their last starts, with the latter looking best placed to repeat the form. Shark Hanlon’s Quest With Speed looks dangerous, though, back over hurdles for his reappearance after winning over fences in May. He’s a proven stayer now and, with Sean Flanagan taking the ride, he should be taken seriously.

Last of all is a two-mile mares’ bumper (5.10). Foxy Footprints, Courageous Cleo and Easter Bonnet all take the racetrack for the first time here, while Prophetess Miriam brings the best existing form, having been the runner-up in a mares’ bumper in September. Easter Bonnet, from the revered Willie Mullins stable, is nicely bred from a useful family, so ought to be good on debut for a yard bang in form.

Punchestown selections - Tuesday:

2.05 - Cinnamon Coco 

2.35 - Dairy Force e/w 

3.05 - Glen Kiln 

3.35 - Youre A Derry Girl 

4.05 - Demanding Gerry 

4.36 - Quest With Speed e/w 

5.10 - Easter Bonnet ᐧ