PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL - DAY 4 (FRIDAY)

The penultimate day of this prestigious Irish jumps meeting and with superstars on display we run through all of Friday's action. 15:40 PUNCHESTOWN

Trainer Ian McCarthy and jockey Robert James combined to land the opening hunter chase earlier in the week and team up again here with Hearts And Spades. The seven-year-old has been admirably consistent all season and sets the standard, but as an odds-on favourite, he offers limited appeal from a value perspective.

Gordon Elliott fields two runners and it may be his apparent second string, Irina’s Path, who represents better value. She returned with a victory last time and, although this is a step up in class, she looks capable of holding her own.

Heartbreak Weather is an obvious danger, while at bigger odds former course-and-distance winner Fr Gilligansvoyge could outrun market expectations.

16:15 PUNCHESTOWN

Another competitive hunter chase where proven performers such as It’s On The Line, Panda Boy and Wonderwall are likely to dominate the betting. All three boast strong credentials, including notable successes in top-level hunter chases, but this looks a slightly less demanding assignment.

With that in mind, it may pay to look beyond the obvious. Big Interest, still relatively young at seven, has previously beaten It’s On The Line and could be overlooked. Recent form has been mixed, but his latest third suggests he may be returning to form and could get involved.

Lifetime Ambition brings remarkable consistency, having finished in the top three in his last sixteen completed starts, and that reliability could prove invaluable here.

16:50 PUNCHESTOWN

Dinoblue continues to operate at the highest level in mares’ chases and arrives here seeking a fourth consecutive victory. Her recent success at Cheltenham underlines her class, and this appears a more straightforward assignment for the Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old.

Kala Conti and Only By Night, both representing the Robcour operation, look the most likely challengers, but they may struggle to match the favourite’s level.

Providing she reproduces her recent form, Dinoblue looks firmly in control of this contest.

17:25 PUNCHESTOWN

Harry Derham has already enjoyed success at the meeting and saddles Norn Iron, who arrives in search of a hat-trick after back-to-back wins. This is a tougher assignment, but he remains progressive and could outrun his odds, making him an interesting British contender.

JP McManus is well represented by Shuffle The Deck and Raglan Road, both of whom command respect and should be closely considered.

Wingmen is another to note after a solid second last time, but it may be his recent conqueror Funiculi Funicula who holds stronger claims. He opened his chase account after a break and now meets that rival on more favourable terms, with further improvement likely.

18:00 PUNCHESTOWN

Turners winner King Rasko Grey looks another strong favourite for Willie Mullins and sets a high standard. The form of his Cheltenham victory continues to work out well, and a repeat of that performance would make him difficult to oppose.

For those seeking value, Bon Viveur could be worth consideration at bigger odds, though he will need to improve to trouble the favourite.

Overall, King Rasko Grey appears the most solid proposition.

18:40 PUNCHESTOWN

Lossiemouth, an impressive winner of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, headlines this race and appears to face a much weaker field. Her dominant display at the Festival marks her as the standout performer, and she looks set to add another Grade 1 success.

Those looking for alternatives may consider William Munny, a previous course-and-distance winner, alongside fellow Festival scorer Wilful and stablemate Absurde, who could all be in contention for minor honours.

However, the favourite sets a clear benchmark.

19:10 PUNCHESTOWN

A large field of 25 runners makes this one of the most competitive and difficult races to assess, despite lacking the depth of some earlier contests.

Barrys Spirit drops in class after competing at graded level and could show improvement on stable debut if adapting well to new surroundings.

Withabitofluk represents a yard known for targeting big handicaps and, although disappointing last time, has previously run well in large fields and remains unexposed over obstacles.

Among the more prominent contenders, Dee’s Legacy appeals after a solid second over fences and a return to hurdles could prove beneficial, especially given her earlier success at Leopardstown.

In such a wide-open contest, all three make each-way appeal.

19:40 PUNCHESTOWN

A typically open bumper concludes the card, and a chance is taken on newcomer Denham Rock from the Charles Byrnes yard. The trainer has a strong record in these races at Punchestown, and while confidence is naturally limited with debutants, he could be worth noting.

Cityofblindinlites ran well when second on debut and looks a likely contender to go one better, while Colwyn Bay also showed promise first time out and could improve.

Heldam, representing leading connections, has already shown ability in two runs under rules and should be firmly in the mix.

In a race full of unknowns, Denham Rock is taken to make a positive start.

written by Rory Paddock