‘Revenge would be sweet’ – Eight British raiders on Day 2 at Punchestown

Ireland dominated at the Cheltenham Festival once again this year, with only Dan Skelton being able to put up a challenge for the home team. There are eight British raiders on Day 2 of the Punchestown Festival on Wednesday and revenge would be sweet. We’ve assessed the chances of all eight runners and picked out the horse with the best chance of winning. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

2.30 Punchestown

Tactical Affair was a narrow winner of a maiden hurdle at Cork for Gordon Elliott but he’s been pretty disappointing in two starts for the Warren Greatrex yard. Switching to handicaps should suit but he’s got plenty to find.

Knockanore is Ryan Potter’s first runner in Ireland and he was below-par after a break at Newbury last month. Significant improvement will be required here and he looks pretty vulnerable.

3.40 Punchestown

East India Express was probably one of those affected by the poor form of the Nicky Henderson yard when beaten at Newbury at February. He’s probably better than that and an improved performance is expected this time around.

5.25 Punchestown

Corach Rambler put in a career best effort when third in the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival. Lucinda Russell’s gelding didn’t get far in the Grand National and he has his work cut out for him here.

6.00 Punchestown

Bill Baxter is winless since claiming the 2023 Topham Chase at Aintree off a mark of 133 but his current rating is 1lb lower than that. This makes him an intriguing proposition and the market will probably advise.

Jetoile won the Old Roan Chase in October and is well handicapped here on the evidence of that effort. A reproduction of that level of form would surely put him in the mix.

6.35 Punchestown

Queens Melody runs for Ben Pauling here and she was a cosy winner on her rules debut at Hereford last month. The form has subsequently received a boost and although plenty of improvement is required, it’s not of the question that she’ll find it.

Britain’s best bet

Jetoile makes the most appeal from a British perspective, having won at Grade 2 level back in October, and he could be one to watch off this sort of mark. Ben Pauling’s Queens Melody deserves a mention and she’s capable of outrunning her odds.

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