3:40 Punchestown Tips

Soir De Garde's only win came a year ago in a weak maiden hurdle at Tramore, but he has been lightly raced and was 2nd to Fabiolo. He fell at the last when weakening into 3rd place behind Ndaawi last time. He should be good enough to get another win.

Riskaway looks to have a very strong profile for a race like this, particularly when you dig into the depth of his form. His bumper runs read extremely well in hindsight. He finished 2nd to a now 139-rated hurdler and was also 4th in a race that has worked out exceptionally, featuring multiple horses now rated in the 140??'150+ range ??' including a 157-rated chaser and several high-class hurdlers. That level of form suggests he has been mixing in very strong company from early on. Over hurdles, he really advertised his ability when winning a maiden by 11 lengths on good to yielding ground over 2m 4f, beating a rival who is now rated 146 and has since won at Grade 1 level. That performance alone gives him standout credentials. He backed that up with a solid 2nd behind a now 149-rated horse and another respectable effort over further, showing both consistency and stamina. The only real blot is his run at the Cheltenham Festival, where he failed to fire, but that can be forgiven in the context of his overall profile.

Unexposed, 6yo. He made a hurdle debut in '24 and had his second hurdle start last month. He finished a close 2nd of 23, beaten by a useful-looking type, and earned a high RPR rating, which puts him in the mix for this contest. He can take a step forward for this hurdle race. He is receiving 6 lb from three of his main rivals.

Mister Pessimistic won a point-to-point over 3 miles, beating a good yardstick. This step up in trip should suit. He has been running in Grade Ones in his last two races, so the drop in class gives him a good chance.

Finished 5th in the Fred Winter on handicap debut last time from a UK mark of 128 and is 2lbs lower here back in Ireland. That looks strong enough form with the 2nd running with credit in a Grade 1 next time and the 4th finishing 3rd at Aintree from 1lb higher. His trainer has won this 5 times since 2007 which is a rediculous strike rate for a smaller national hunt yard, and he has won here before. Cheekpieces retained and he's overpriced.