Punchestown Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Monday’s Seven-Race Card

Racing is back at Punchestown today for seven races; six over hurdles and concluding with a bumper.

Read below for a full rundown of the Punchestown card, with tips for each race, courtesy of The Sporting News betting section.

We begin with a two-mile maiden hurdle (12.48). Willie Mullins’ new recruit, Madness d’Elle, runs in the prominent Mrs Ricci colours and, having shown some promise in France, looks good for the top yard. JP McManus’ filly Simple Things has gone well on ground like this at Fairyhouse and could be a player, and Kilmeaden - who acts on a heavy surface - could be worth considering also.

A QR handicap hurdle follows, run over two miles (1.18). Zuzukel was beaten just a short head last time out over course and distance and, given four pounds by his rider, could still be competitive at his new mark. Where Are You Now makes his handicap debut and could prove interesting, while Be Fierce - rated higher over fences - could be well treated on his hurdle mark and is fresh from a break.

Race three is a mares’ maiden hurdle run over two and a half miles (1.48). Noel Meade’s Susie Lenglen acts on this ground and could have a nice each-way chance under Donagh Meyler. Forceonmyown should be able to improve on her first start of the season now, but Mullins’ new recruit Poetisa has the pedigree and action to suggest capability on this ground and she could be our winner after her winning bumper debut at Cheltenham.

Next is a two and a half mile novice handicap hurdle (2.18). Four-year-old Kasper Hauser could be in with a chance given his weight-for-age, and goes well on heavy ground. Paradise Lost could have a shout at a place, down to a tempting mark now and back up in trip, but Kinturk Nelson could be our winner up in trip on an attractive mark and given weight by his claiming rider.

A two and a half mile maiden hurdle follows (2.48). Kimi De Mai makes plenty of appeal, up in trip for the first time, with some strong French form to her name in addition to displayed ability over hurdles. She looks to benefit from the extra half mile to travel, and is difficult to see past in the context of this race.

The penultimate race is a handicap hurdle run over two miles and six furlongs (3.18). Rocky’s Howya, trained by Declan Queally who trained and rode the winner of last week’s Ballymore Novice Hurdle, could be capable of a big run here under seven-pound claimer Kevin Healy. Nettuno Italia should have a chance of placing, but Westernersunrise should be the one to beat today.

Last of all, we have a mares’ bumper (3.48). There are four debutants here, including Gordon Elliott’s Fancy Fox, a half sister to the top class chaser Firefox. This race is not wanting for well-related individuals, though, with quality black-type throughout the card. Simply Natural makes some appeal, but Think It Through could represent some each-way value after a good showing last time out at Limerick, and is given five pounds by her rider.

Punchestown selections - Monday:

12.48 - Simple Things e/w 

1.18 - Be Fierce 

1.48 - Poetisa 

2.18 - Kinturk Nelson 

2.48 - Kimi De Mai 

3.18 - Westernersunrise 

2.48 - Think It Through e/w ᐧ