7:10 Punchestown Tips

Trained by Anthony McCann, this reliable 7-year-old mare has a consistent record and a handicap hurdle rating of 122. Her past performances show a high rate of placing, highlighted by a recent 3rd and a commendable 2nd-place finish over jumps, making her a strong candidate for one of the six available places.

Spirou came back from a long absence to win at Newbury. Despite top weight here at Punchestown, he should go close in this field.

Arslan looks a solid contender here and could be worth siding with off his current mark. His latest run at Fairyhouse Racecourse can be forgiven. Finishing 7th of 21, beaten 21L, he was held up in rear and never really put into the race, but did make late headway, suggesting he wasn’t given a hard time once his chance had gone. Prior to that, he showed clear ability when bolting up in a maiden hurdle over 2M½F, winning by 8½L with plenty in hand. He also has solid form lines, including a run behind the now 133-rated Stede Bonnet. The standout piece of form is his 3rd over 2M4F behind Riskaway, where Zeus Power (now a Grade 1 winner rated 146) was 2nd. That race reads very strongly and suggests Arslan has the ability to be competitive off 120. With Danny Mullins booked, suitable yielding ground, and a workable mark, Arslan looks to have a good chance if getting a more positive ride.

Following an impressive sixteen-length success at Wetherby, Jonjo O'Neill sends Pioneer Pete over the water to contest this race. The run at Wetherby was by far the best he had run in his five hurdle races. This will be his first try in handicap company, and the jockey who rode him to success last time out is once again on board. With winning form on similar ground to what he will be racing on today, hopefully Pioneer Pete can put up a bold showing.

Was a hurdles winner at Thurles in December. Not as good in three races since, but holds an each-way chance if rediscovering December's form.

Trainer has got two entered in this race, both owned by JP McManus with the same jockey on board. A good each-way bet for the six places available.

A winning novice returned 3 weks ago after 200 days off the track, 7/12 that day in an apprentice race, could go well for in form trainer/jockey combo here this week

Has come second over course and distance this season, which is favourable for this track. Will need to up their game, but hopefully the break has done them good and they will be spot on for today. Easy pick for each way six places.

Spy has been ultra-consistent without winning over hurdles and has experience in big fields like today's, so is worth considering. Trainer Charles Byrnes has given their representative a few spins on the flat at Dundalk in recent months, winning one of those three. The horse could have been set up for a big run here. Given the trainer's record, it's well worth considering that this has been aimed at this race. With six places on offer well worth risking.

Nelson Muntz had looked like he was heading in the right direction in two runs at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown, respectively. He's since been seen on the flat at the Curragh. Back to hurdles today and has an each-way chance if picking up somewhere from when last seen.

Turned out again quickly after running only 13 days ago when finishing a not-too-bad 3rd of 10, keeping on the one pace at the finish of 2m 1f 30yds on yielding (good to yielding in places). Slightly shorter today without the word “good” in the forecast going, which will suit under the same 7 lb claiming jockey.

Withabitofluk looks on a very fair mark when all bumper and maiden form is taken into account. He came back from a year off 25 days ago and was ridden more mdfield than usual prominent position, he looked in need of the run. His win came on this sort of ground, as was his fair 4th over CD in a very hot maiden that has produced winners since. From a top yard and cheekpieces go on for the first time, with O'Keefe taking over in the saddle. If that recent run has bought him back to his best he could win this. Looks sure to be more asked of him today than last time. The offer of 22/1 makes him good EW value wirth a 5 place payout offered all round.

The Willie Mullins-trained Lincoln Du Seuil has Paul Townend back on board for this one, having finished a good third of fifteen the last time he was in the saddle. The yard is in good form and could produce a nice each-way shot here at a generous price.

Tatateo was 30 lengths behind the winner at Fairyhouse in early April. That was his first jumping race after two flat runs at Dundalk. He can switch between flat runs and hurdles quite easily, but may have needed that run, and better is expected this time.

Positive Energy has shown more promise on the Flat in handicaps than in novice hurdle company, with a solid 2nd at Gowran Park over 1m 1f highlighting his competitiveness when conditions suit. His recent runs over hurdles have been less convincing, but he has generally been running in stronger or unsuitable races rather than being well beaten out of contention. A return to a more suitable handicap setup could see him improve on recent efforts and become competitive again.