PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL - DAY 3 (THURSDAY)

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 appear the most likely to get competitive and could be in the mix for minor honours.

In a race where the market may focus heavily on stable hierarchy, Nadia’s Boy looks the more interesting option at the prices.

15:05 PUNCHESTOWN

Future Prospect, carrying the well-known John Magnier silks, was not beaten far in a stronger contest last time and now drops in grade. That effort suggests she has the ability to take advantage of this easier opportunity and return to winning ways.

Stablemate Diamondd Du Berlais has some solid form in the book and should run her race, though she may find one or two too strong in the closing stages.

Blue Velvet, another from the Willie Mullins yard and a previous course winner, also enters calculations and could mount a serious challenge.

However, Future Prospect looks the one with the strongest overall profile.

15:40 PUNCHESTOWN

Cross-country specialists Gavin Cromwell, Gordon Elliott and Enda Bolger are all represented, and their runners command immediate respect in this unique discipline.

Last year’s winner Busselton returns seeking to defend his title, while Vanillier brings consistent form and arrives off a strong third in Cheltenham’s equivalent. The Goffer, although below par last time, has previously gone close over this course.

Vanillier arguably sets the standard on class, but at his age and price may not offer great value.

Instead, Shannon Royale looks a more appealing each-way option after a solid recent effort and could have fresher legs than many of these. Bodhisattva is another to consider, proven over marathon trips and likely to be staying on when others begin to tire.

16:15 PUNCHESTOWN

Buachaillbocht boasts an impressive strike rate over hurdles at this venue and arrives in good form after a solid third at Fairyhouse. Representing the JP McManus colours, the eight-year-old looks capable of building on that effort and going close here.

Duke Silver outran big odds at Cheltenham before failing to land a blow at Aintree. Back on home soil and with a lighter weight, he could bounce back and make the frame.

Ballybow, Blue Mosque, course-and-distance winner Fillyoureye and the consistent The Lovely Man are others to consider, but the two selections make most appeal from a value perspective.

16:50 PUNCHESTOWN

Last year’s winner Petit Tonnerre returns with the aim of landing back-to-back victories in this contest. While his season has been mixed, he appears to have been targeted at this race and now runs from a workable mark.

The King Of Prs has not shown his best form recently but has slipped to an attractive weight and, as a previous course winner, could bounce back at a price.

Path D’Oroux, another course scorer, is capable of outrunning his odds, while the consistent Sky Lord should once again give a good account.

Petit Tonnerre remains the most solid option, though others offer each-way value.

17:25 PUNCHESTOWN

In the absence of some leading rivals, this looks a good opportunity for Kopek Des Bordes to return to winning ways. He ran well to finish second at Cheltenham and sets a clear standard in what appears a weaker contest.

The progressive type ticks plenty of boxes and represents a yard renowned for success in these races.

Jacob’s Ladder and Salvator Mundi look the most likely to give chase, though both may struggle to match the selection if he performs to his best.

Kopek Des Bordes looks the standout in the field.

18:05 PUNCHESTOWN

Teahupoo heads the market but may not get his preferred soft ground, which could leave him vulnerable despite his overall quality.

Bob Olinger and Honesty Policy both finished ahead of him at Cheltenham and hold strong claims again under similar conditions. Of the pair, Bob Olinger’s consistency stands out, rarely running a bad race and making him a solid option to come out on top.

Kawaboomga is an intriguing contender stepping up to this level and could surprise if improving further.

With conditions likely to suit, Bob Olinger looks the one to side with.

18:35 PUNCHESTOWN

Look Me finished best of the rest in a strong bumper at Aintree and now faces what appears a slightly easier assignment. That form sets a solid standard, and he looks sure to be involved once again.

Course-and-distance winner Soul Asylum represents connections with top-level success and should be competitive, while It’s Good To Talk and Outofafrika could appeal as each-way options for those seeking value.

In a race lacking depth compared to earlier contests, Look Me looks the most reliable proposition.

written by Rory Paddock