7.15pm Punchestown Tips & Betting Preview 25/04/2017

A potentially exciting bumper to close off the first day of our Punchestown tips from the 2017 Festival, with 17 largely unraced runners representing a number of top Irish connections – although notably Willie Mullins has no entries.

The booking of J J Codd on STOOSHIE certainly raises eyebrows and boosts his chances in this. Codd had an exceptional Cheltenham Festival, firmly establishing himself as one of the top amateur jockeys currently riding, and he paired up with Gordon Elliott at Fairyhouse last week to win their two mile bumper by an impressive 13 lengths. His charge here has the benefit of two previous runs, one at this course when beaten on Heavy ground in February and then a narrow defeat at Limerick on Soft ground last month. He looks like he will stay further in time, but for now the experience that he’s built up will stand him in good stead for this and he should have too much staying power for these under his brilliant rider.

Another interesting booking is that of Patrick Mullins for The Butcher Said who be making his first start today for Emmet Mullins. Related to some interesting types, including Meetmeatthemoon and Valiramix, the market should guide on the expectations on debut. However, the fact that he’s pitched into a competitive race on debut suggests that he should be clued up. The two mile trip should be his optimum judging by his pedigree so he should be involved and deserves a second look.

Katie Walsh rides Kildorrery who finished fourth of six in a point-to-point in February, 20 lengths behind the very promising winner Flemenshill who was purchased by the Potts for £480,000 shortly after. He was never involved in the race that day, but the jockey booking suggests that more is expected and the shorter trip may suit.

Speaking of the Potts, they run the aptly named Pottsie who is trained by Mouse Morris and was bought for the sizeable sum of €250,000 as a three-year-old. With the dam being a bumper winner, speed shouldn’t be an issue on debut, although his pedigree does have an emphasis on stamina when looking towards the future. If the race turns tactical you’d have to raise a question mark on whether he’ll be able to show a good enough turn of foot. He is interesting though and the market can guide on his chances.

Likely to be towards the fore in the market is Cornelius Sulla, a maiden after five starts under rules, but with a second place in a Listed contest on his last start. The winner that day was second in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham Festival and the form therefore looks rock solid. With plenty of experience, this Joseph O’Brien trained son of Soldier of Fortune is the one to beat on the day, but may be vulnerable on this faster going.