Rory Paddock

We enter the halfway point of this action packed festival with another day of top-class Grade 1 racing. 14:30 PUNCHESTOWN Leader D’Allier may be viewed as the Mullins first string, but it’s unbeaten stablemate Nadia’s Boy who makes greater appeal. His victory over a rival who subsequently performed well in a Grade 1 at Aintree reads strongly, and while further improvement is needed, he looks capable of making the frame. Of those outside the Mullins camp, Colcannon, Gameball and Fort Dino...

We head into the second day of action from Punchestown's premier meeting and Rory Paddock previews every race. 14:30 PUNCHESTOWN Thanksforthehelp returns to defend his crown after landing this contest last year and, despite carrying 4lb more, the nine-year-old commands respect. However, in what looks a typically open renewal, others make greater each-way appeal. Better Times arrives in solid form, having won two starts ago and followed up with a respectable effort when last seen. He looks...

It's the opening day of Punchestown's five-day jumps meeting with an abundance of top-grade action to get stuck into. 14:30 PUNCHESTOWN The market suggests this revolves around two runners, with Fountain Hope and Willitgoahead dominating the betting. Of the pair, Fountain Hope makes the stronger appeal despite carrying extra weight. He arrives seeking a four-timer and, while this represents a step up in class, the overall depth of the race does not appear particularly strong. Willitgoahead...