11:50
Punchestown
Odds correct as of 9:52am 08th Dec
Conditions are set to be very testing at Punchestown on Tuesday and on the chase course in particular. The official ground description on the chase track is heavy, whilst it’s soft to heavy on the hurdles course. Fast ground horses will be worth avoiding with that in mind so we’ve selected three runners with proven records on testing ground. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Anotherway is the only runner in the field to have won heavy ground before, which should give him an advantage. He was an impressive winner of a maiden hurdle on heavy for Willie Mullins last year but has struggled a little since. He performed with credit, despite having no chance, when fifth behind Kopek Des Bordes on seasonal debut and you would imagine he’ll come on for that.
Port Joulain can be frustratingly inconsistent sometimes but not when the ground is heavy. Unbeaten in two starts on heavy, he was victorious in a Gowran bumper in March 2024. Willie Mullins’ gelding won a maiden hurdle here last term as well, before disappointing in the Albert Bartlett. The switch to fences combined with a drop in grade could be just the ticket for him.
Another one for Willie Mullins, Charlus remains thoroughly unexposed over hurdles. The four-year-old made a winning start to life over hurdle on soft to heavy ground at Naas in January but he wasn’t quite up to Grade 1 standard in the Triumph after that. His sights have been lowered here and Paul Townend has picked him over the yard’s other two runners.
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