3:05 Punchestown Tips

Vitorio Piel won very easily in a bumper at this meeting last year and has shown gradual improvement over hurdles. His trainer is very adept at producing horses on the big day.

L’Evangeliste looks to bring one of the strongest profiles into this race and sets a clear standard on ratings and form. Rated 130, he sits just 1 lb below the top-rated runner but is notably 7 lb clear of the next best, which immediately puts him in a strong position on official figures alone. His form lines are particularly solid. He was beaten just ½ L in a bumper by Fruit De Mer, a horse now rated 143 over hurdles, which gives that effort real substance. He also contested another strong bumper featuring useful types like El Cairos and Koktail Brut, further boosting the depth of his early form. Over hurdles, he has progressed well ??' finishing 2nd in a maiden over 2 m, beaten 2 L by a now 133-rated rival who has since won at Listed level, before going on to win his maiden and then a novice over 2 m 4½ f. That progression suggests he has both class and stamina. The absence is a slight question mark, but if returning in the same form, L’Evangeliste looks to have the standout profile in this field and sets a high bar for the rest to match.

Two starts over hurdles for the 6-year-old mare. A very close runner-up and clear of the rest in both races. The form seems fine. She's not the highest rated in this EBF Auction hurdle, but because of her purchase price and the sex allowance she receives, she gets a huge weight advantage over all her rivals. We haven't seen the best of her yet.

Lightly raced for the De Bromhead team and should relish the step up in trip. Ran 3rd in a handicap at Gowran at the start of the season over 2m and had the easy Fairyhouse winner Fierce Handy 10 lengths behind that day. The win LTO at Down Royal has been franked, with the 3rd having won since.

The recent form he has displayed consistently suggests he is hardly ever out of the picture. I am convinced that a longer trip and improved ground will position him as a reliable each-way option.