PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL - DAY 2 (WEDNESDAY)

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 capable of going close again.

Cloonainra is particularly interesting reverting to hurdles after a disappointing spell over fences. Now on an attractive mark and having finished a close fifth in this race in 2024, she could easily outrun her odds if rediscovering that level of form.

Both represent value in a competitive contest.

15:05 PUNCHESTOWN

A notable feature of this race is the absence of a runner from the Willie Mullins yard, leaving the contest looking wide open.

L’Evangeliste and Vitorio Piel are likely to head the market, while last-time-out winners Los Blanco and Eagle’s Quest also bring strong credentials and demand respect.

However, at a bigger price, Dunleer Crystal appeals as a potential value play. He arrives in consistent form with three consecutive top-three finishes and, while more will be required here, Gordon Elliott is adept at readying one for a festival handicap.

In a race where many can be given a chance, he looks capable of outrunning his odds.

15:40 PUNCHESTOWN

The Willie Mullins duo Bunting and Soir De Garde are sure to be popular in the betting and both have the ability to land a race of this nature.

However, Begorra Man makes most appeal despite still being a maiden. He caught the eye when finishing second in a large-field maiden last time, shaping as though a step up in trip would suit.

That impression is reinforced by his running style, and with this extra distance likely to play to his strengths, he could have more improvement to come.

If building on that effort, he looks capable of troubling the principals at a decent price.

16:45 PUNCHESTOWN

The first Grade 1 of the day sees several Albert Bartlett runners renew rivalry, making this a competitive and intriguing contest.

Of those who skipped Cheltenham, Le Frimeur and Zanoosh look the most likely to feature, though the Festival form may prove key.

Fruit De Mer and The Passing Wife both finished ahead of Spinningayarn at Cheltenham, but Gordon Elliott’s runner is taken to reverse that form. A previous course winner who has improved steadily this season, he may not have been suited by the race conditions last time.

At current odds, he looks underestimated and capable of a bold showing.

16:50 PUNCHESTOWN

The Mourne Rambler was an emphatic winner of the Cheltenham bumper and sets a clear standard on form. This looks a slightly easier assignment, and he fully deserves his position at the head of the market.

However, the absence of Colin Keane is notable, and that could open the door for Willie Mullins’ Dromard. With a more experienced jockey booked and still open to improvement, he may offer better value at the prices.

If stepping forward again, he could pose a serious challenge to the favourite.

17:25 PUNCHESTOWN

Nouvotic is yet to win at Punchestown but has run well in big-field handicaps at the track and should give another solid account for Henry de Bromhead.

King Alexander appears to be the main hope for the Mullins yard but looks short enough in the betting given the competitive nature of the race.

Former course winners Classic Getaway and Dee Capo both merit consideration and could add to their tally here.

Conyers Hill has been lightly campaigned this season, suggesting this race has been the target. Having placed at this meeting in 2024 and shown consistent form this term, he looks set to run another big race.

Midnight It Is is one to note at bigger odds.

18:05 PUNCHESTOWN

Gold Cup hero Gaelic Warrior looks to add another Grade 1 to an already outstanding season. His Cheltenham performance marked him down as one of the leading staying chasers, and he sets a formidable standard.

Fact To File bypassed the Festival, meaning this clash never materialised earlier in the season. However, based on current evidence, Gaelic Warrior’s level of form would have made him difficult to beat regardless.

Of the remainder, Inothewayurthinkin, a former Gold Cup winner, looks best placed to challenge, though he may find the principals too strong.

If reproducing his Cheltenham effort, Gaelic Warrior should take plenty of beating once again.

18:35 PUNCHESTOWN

The mares take centre stage in the closing bumper, and while these races can be unpredictable, Glens Anthem sets a high standard.

She produced a striking performance on debut, readily pulling clear to suggest she could be a filly of considerable potential. That effort marks her down as one of the more solid propositions across the meeting.

Stablemate Latosca Du Houx looks the main threat from within the yard, while Gavin Cromwell’s Coole Cafe is another to consider.

If building on her debut, Glens Anthem will be hard to oppose.

written by Rory Paddock