PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL - DAY 5 (SATURDAY)

It's the fifth and final day and a fine way to bring the Irish National Hunt season to a close. We preview all the biggest and best action from Puncheston this Saturday. 14:30 PUNCHESTOWN

Fountain House and Busselton have both enjoyed success at the Festival already this week and now look to add another victory in this cross-country contest. Both have the ability to go well again, though there is always a slight concern as to how much those recent efforts may have taken out of them.

Vanillier was originally due to run earlier in the week but was withdrawn and now looks set to take his chance here, provided he gets into the field. A previous course-and-distance winner, the veteran has proven his effectiveness in these races and, if lining up, would hold leading claims.

Given his proven stamina and track credentials, he makes plenty of appeal if able to take his place.

15:05 PUNCHESTOWN

Sa Majeste may have been given too much to do in the Irish Grand National before being pulled up, but that effort can be forgiven and he has previously shown enough to warrant another chance here.

Will Do is another who could outrun his odds. While yet to win at Punchestown, his record of three placed efforts from three runs at the track, including in competitive handicaps, suggests he is well suited to conditions.

Jasmin De Grugy is likely to head the market following a solid last-time-out success and is respected, though in a race of this nature it may be worth opposing at short odds.

Uncle Pat has been knocking on the door with a series of placed efforts and looks likely to be involved once more.

15:45 PUNCHESTOWN

Argento Boy may not be the leading light among Willie Mullins’ runners, but his excellent record at Punchestown makes him difficult to ignore. Proven over course and distance, he looks capable of another solid performance.

Montregard attracted market support for both the Scottish Grand National and the Bet365 Gold Cup before being withdrawn, and if conditions suit, he could play a major role here for Tom Lacey.

Captain Cody, a former Scottish Grand National winner, alongside course scorer High Class Hero and the consistent Kish Bank, all have claims and add depth to the race.

In a competitive contest, Argento Boy and Montregard appeal as value options.

16:15 PUNCHESTOWN

This Grade 1 may lack numbers with just four runners, but it still features a high-quality rematch between Jade De Grugy and Wodhooh, who filled the first two places in the Cheltenham equivalent.

On that occasion, Gordon Elliott’s Wodhooh came out on top and, based on that evidence, it is difficult to see the form being reversed here.

Both bring strong credentials, but Wodhooh’s proven ability at this level gives her the edge once again.

16:55 PUNCHESTOWN

Willie Mullins dominates this Grade 1 numerically, saddling nine of the thirteen runners, and looks to hold a strong hand.

Apolon De Charnie stands out following his Triumph Hurdle success at Cheltenham, where he showed both class and determination. Stablemate Proactif has also impressed in a short career and arrives after a confidence-boosting win at Fairyhouse.

Saratoga, an emphatic Albert Bartlett winner, steps into this company with strong credentials, while Majolique benefits from a weight allowance and could close the gap on her stable companions.

Of those outside the Mullins camp, Matin Midi Et Soir appears the most likely to challenge, though the race looks set to be dominated by the favourite yard.

A combination approach involving the Mullins quartet could prove worthwhile.

17:30 PUNCHESTOWN

Kel Histoire and Jump Allen, both from the Willie Mullins yard, arrive in improved form and look set to play leading roles. Their recent efforts suggest further progress is possible, making them serious contenders.

Hello Neighbour also caught the eye when finishing third in a competitive handicap last time and has previous strong form at this meeting, including a placing in a Grade 1 contest.

With proven effectiveness at the track and signs of a return to form, he looks capable of getting involved once again.

18:05 PUNCHESTOWN

Cotswold Blue, a well-bred mare by Authorised, makes her debut with a profile that suggests plenty of potential. While confidence is always tempered with newcomers, she ticks many of the right boxes on pedigree.

Runningtostandstill is another debutant to note, coming from a yard with a strong record in these types of races and partnered by an experienced rider. She looks likely to be well prepared for this assignment.

The pair appear the most likely to fight out the finish, though Crystasia and Market Square could pick up minor honours.

written by Rory Paddock