12:20 Punchestown Tips

Brucejack (odds ~7/2) is the tip to win the 12:20 at Punchestown after finishing a strong second in this race last year. Despite a long losing streak, he sets the form standard in this field and handles the expected yielding-to-soft ground well. Expert verdicts from Racing TV select him to finally secure his first chase victory.

The selection beat Brucejack by 24 lengths on their respective season debuts, and the circumstances of today's race are in his favour here. He was a little disappointing in his first hcap LTO, but that mark is not a factor today. Of greater concern is Sean's weak record in chases here, but there is little else to choose from in the field.

Additional Time is a former point winner who has been running well this season in two weak hurdle races. After being demoted to 2nd place when winning by a short head at Thurles, he won easily a week later in October at Sligo in a four-horse race by twenty-three lengths. Should go close switching to fences.

THEMANINTHEBOOTS (6.00) ??' ⭐ TOP PICK Gordon Elliott + Jack Kennedy = huge positive. Proven in competitive handicaps. Finishes races strongly. If jumping holds, this race sets up perfectly. ??'? Market slightly underrates stable intent here. ➡️ Best WIN value

Mighty Jeremy (odds 12/1) represents strong each-way value in the 12:20 at Punchestown. Following a credible 4th at Naas, the veteran gelding looks primed to challenge for a place on soft ground. Pundits from Racing TV expect him to be 'thereabouts,' making him a standout outsider in the 12-runner field.

Had been running well until a no-show in bottomless ground at Limerick. Now goes chasing and looks overpriced if reproducing the couple of efforts previously in this sphere. Claiming jockey taking off a handy 7 lb from an already low weight.

Enge Hazard makes his chase debut today after showing some solid ability over hurdles. He placed third at Thurles in November and should find this longer trip much more to his liking.