3:05 Punchestown Tips

Jasmin De Grugy finished 2nd at this meeting last year over three miles. Last time out he won the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster by a wide margin over 3m 2f, and this extra distance should be within his stamina range.

Riding three winners and a second from four rides yesterday. Paul Townend starts today with Uncle Pat. Second in three of his last four runs, with an unseated rider among them. Goes close again.

J'Arrive de L'Est is a risky but interesting contender, and the return to better ground could be key to unlocking his chances. His two cross-country runs at Cheltenham Racecourse stand out as strong pieces of form. First, he finished 2nd over 3m 5½f on good ground behind Final Orders, who has since won the Cross Country at the Cheltenham Festival and performed respectably in the Grand National. He followed that with another 2nd over the same course and distance on soft, this time behind Favori de Champdou, who also ran a big race at the Festival. Those efforts suggest he is very capable in this sphere when conditions suit. The latest run in the Midlands National can be forgiven ??' it came over an extreme trip in very testing ground, which likely didn’t play to his strengths. Now back on a sounder surface and off a workable mark of 125, he looks better placed. If reproducing either of those Cheltenham efforts, J'Arrive de L'Est has the ability to get involved and could easily run into a place.

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Rather than a lottery of a race, Duffle Coat is chanced each-way. Duffle Coat has always been an in-and-out sort. He was tried in last year's Grand National (OR145, unseated at the 3rd) and returned from a break in this year's Irish National (OR135, PU). Dropped another 3 pounds and James Smith claims a 5 lb allowance. Won a maiden hurdle and has run moderately well here in the past. Pulled up in last year's contest. Good ground will suit.