Punchestown Races & Results All Racing UK & International Horse Racing Speed Ratings & Tips for 2024-09-17

There were 265 Races on across 30 meetings. There was 8 races at Assiniboia Downs first race 01:30, 8 races at Brighton first race 14:20, 8 races at Compiegne first race 12:55, 12 races at Concepcion first race 18:30, 7 races at Fairmount Park first race 19:00, 8 races at Fairview first race 11:20, 8 races at Finger Lakes first race 18:00, 8 races at Fort Erie first race 20:00, 9 races at Gavea first race 01:00, 9 races at Horseshoe Indianapolis first race 19:10, 12 races at Kanazawa first race 03:30, 7 races at Kolkata first race 09:15, 7 races at Louisiana Downs first race 22:05, 8 races at Lyon Parilly first race 10:51, 8 races at Mackay first race 04:20, 12 races at Mizusawa first race 03:55, 12 races at Mombetsu first race 06:50 Monbetsu, 8 races at Moruya first race 04:00, 8 races at Mountaineer first race 01:15, 12 races at Nagoya first race 06:20, 9 races at Newcastle first race 16:24, 9 races at Philadelphia first race 17:40, 8 races at Presque Isle Downs first race 20:00, 8 races at Punchestown first race 13:55, 8 races at Redcar first race 13:40, 8 races at Thistledown first race 17:50, 12 races at Urawa first race 05:30, 8 races at Vincennes first race 15:35, 9 races at Wodonga first race 03:55, 7 races at Yarmouth first race 14:35, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner. TomForm.com uses a custom rating system for each runner.

Race 1: 13:55 Punchestown William Hill Keep Your Raceday Positive Irish EBF Fillies Maiden IRE 7f

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(2) Annie M	2	Adam Caffrey	Adrian McGuinness	Has failed to beat a rival in first two starts at 80-1 and 150-1; should qualify for a mark after this run.
(11) Princess Peggy	2	Gary Carroll	Gordon Elliott	Triple figure odds for both starts and beaten a combined distance of 50l; others preferred.
(6) Kilgharrahs Love	2	Wayne Lordan	Thomas Cleary	Not a bad effort at 125-1 on racecourse debut at Gowran last month but will need more to trouble the judge here.
(8) Murray's Castle	2	Seamie Heffernan	Paul John Gilligan	A 15,000 euros yearling; tenth foal; half-sister to five winners inc Sopran Basilea (Italian/US 1m1f-1m3f inc Group 2; RPR 112) and Power Best (French/Italian 5f-6.5f inc 2yo/AW; 98); dam Italian maiden, half-sister to two Italian sprint Group 3 winners; Irish Rover filly has a nice pedigree but yard not known for 2yo winners; best watched.
(10) Perfect Base	2	W J Lee	Miss Natalia Lupini	55,000 euros 2yo; ninth foal; half-sister to five winners inc Broken Stones (Group-placed 6f 2yo; RPR 107), Piecederesistance (1m 2yo/1m2f; 93), Usra (5f 2yo; 85) and Dana Forever (6f; 76); dam placed 1m3f (67), granddaughter of 1m2f Group 3 winner; Acclamation filly related to 2yo winners and in-form yard can ready one first time up; market check advised.
(9) New Wave	2	Rory Cleary	J S Bolger	Sent off at 66-1 when beaten 10l on her debut at the Curragh (7f, good to firm); was 2l behind Joyful Princess that day and while she should improve for the run, it is hard to see her turning that form around; however, it was a strong maiden and she could sneak into the frame at a decent price.
(13) Sweet Zaroline	2	Declan McDonogh	Joseph Patrick O'Brien	Tongue tied for debut (retained) at Gowran where she finished well behind Mint Candy and Amangani at odds of 12-1; needs a big jolt of improvement to be involved at the finish.
3rd (3) Beyond Dreams	2	Chris Hayes	D K Weld	Eleventh foal; half-sister to five winners inc Zoustar (Australian 5.5f-7f inc 2yo/Group 1; RPR 117), Emperor Of The Sun (1m 2yo/1m6f Listed; 113), Kondo Isami (1m2f 2yo/1m4f; 96) and Ciarlet (Australian 5.5f/6f); dam Australian 6f winner; impeccably bred daughter of Wootton Bassett makes plenty of appeal on paper; watch for market support.
(12) School Of Athens	2	Shane B Kelly	J P Murtagh	Showed a bit of promise in a 7f Dundalk barrier trial; similar story when she was keen on racecourse bow at Tipperary; finished sixth of 13 that day, beaten 5.25l (7.5f, good to firm); if she settles better, she could sneak into the frame.
2nd (5) Joyful Princess	2	Shane Foley	Mrs John Harrington	Was a 22-1 shot for her debut at the Curragh (7f, good to firm) and she ran a nice race to finish fifth, just 2.5l behind subsequent maiden winner Jaliyah (New Wave 2l behind); she was slow away and green that day before staying on late and she should be more streetwise now; the form of her debut is strong and she is another with big claims.
1st (1) Amangani	2	Dylan Browne McMonagle	Joseph Patrick O'Brien	Plenty of promise when finishing fifth in a Dundalk barrier trial back in July; was 7-2 for her racecourse debut at Gowran Park and she ran a very pleasing race to finish a 1.75l third of 14 behind Greatest Drama (Mint Candy second); open to improvement and leading claims.
(4) Its All Peachy	2	Colin Keane	M D O'Callaghan	A 100,000 euros filly was sent off at 25/1 for a Leopardstown maiden won by subsequent Listed scorer Chantez last month; displayed some signs of greenness and ought to improve for that experience; could go well with Keane taking over in the plate.
(7) Mint Candy	2	Ryan Moore	A P O'Brien	Improved on debut fourth when going down by a nose in a Gowran Park maiden two weeks ago; had Amangani 1.75l behind in third that day and there shouldn't be much between them again; Ryan Moore gets the leg up now for the first time and she ought to be thereabouts again.

A fascinating maiden. Mint Candy and Amangani are pretty closely matched on their meeting at Gowran Park and they should be in the shake up again. Its All Peachy showed promise on her debut at Leopardstown and could go well with Colin Keane an eye-catching booking. Beyond Dreams is well-bred and an interesting newcomer but preference is for JOYFUL PRINCESS. The form of her Curragh maiden fifth looks strong and she is open to plenty of improvement. School Of Athens and New Wave are others to consider. [Dave Stephens]

Race 2: 14:25 Punchestown William Hill Betting Done Properly Maiden IRE 1m 30y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(7) Micasso	2	Seamie Heffernan	Donal Kinsella	Beaten 22l on Curragh debut last month and can't be fancied on that form.
(13) Faerie Tales	2	Gavin Ryan	P G Fahey	Beaten a long way on debut at Leopardstown and can only be watched today.
(11) Trubshaw	2	Gabriella Hill	Henry De Bromhead	Beaten nearly 20l on debut at Tipperary and can't be fancied on that evidence.
(15) Pallatine Hills	2		Eddie & Patrick Harty	Reserve; beaten 10l on Tipperary debut and will have to improve loads on that
(2) Expert Analysis	2	Ronan Whelan	W Ross	Well beaten on debut at Galway but a better effort at the Curragh since; can run respectably but likely to be better suited to handicaps.
(8) Mocking	2	Shane B Kelly	J P Murtagh	Beaten 11l on recent debut at the Curragh and will have to improve a fair bit on that.
(1) Desmond Castle	2	Declan McDonogh	Joseph Patrick O'Brien	Well-beaten on debut and unseated rider at the start next time; more encouraging at Galway last week behind a smart rival but still beaten 13l.
4th (5) Land Of The Giants	2	W J Lee	Miss Natalia Lupini	Seventh foal; half-brother to winners Spartan Warrior (1m2f/1m4f; RPR 75) and Silky Warrior (US 1m-10.5f); dam 1m2f winner (99), from family of Arc' second Mubtaker; 16,000gns yearling made 30,000euros at a breeze-up sale; by a useful sire and could run well.
(12) Wackestone	2	Chris Hayes	Gordon Elliott	Won a barrier trial in July at Dundalk; beaten 9l on debut at Gowran over 7f but can improve from that up in trip.
(14) Whywhywhy Delilah	2	Nathan Crosse	David Marnane	Beaten approx' 6l on both starts and will have to find significant improvement today.
(4) Hibernate	2	Dylan Browne McMonagle	Joseph Patrick O'Brien	Seventh foal; brother to several winners incl' Al Hamdany (1m-1m4f inc AW 2yo/KSA; RPR 101) and Schwartz (1m5f-2m inc AW; 78); dam unraced; a 38,000euros yearling was a 45,000gns vendor buyback at a breeze-up sale; sixth in a Leopardstown barrier trial recently but looks stable first-string; difficult draw.
3rd (9) Starry Desert	2	Shane Foley	Mrs John Harrington	Has improved with each start though beaten approx' 4l on all of them; was just ahead of a subsequent smart winner when second at Galway last time over this trip; a major player.
(6) Lord Byron	2	Wayne Lordan	A P O'Brien	Eighth foal; half-brother to five winners incl' Shamida (1m4f/1m6f inc Group 3; RPR 109) and Shajak (Listed-placed 12.5f Flat, 99; 2m hurdle); dam 1m4f winner (80); by a leading sire and will appreciate this trip; yard second-string but can run well.
1st (3) Genealogy	2	Ryan Moore	A P O'Brien	Cost 400,000Gns as a yearling; finished ahead of some of these rivals when runner-up to a better fancied stablemate on debut at the Curragh; should have improved since and is a major player
2nd (10) Storm Piece	2	Colin Keane	G M Lyons	Related to plenty of winners and dam a Group 1 scorer; finished a close second on debut in a well contested Curragh maiden over 7f; this trip should be fine and, with improvement to come, can be a major player today

Runner-up to a better-fancied stablemate on debut over this trip at the Curragh, GENEALOGY(nap) can go one better today. However, Starry Desert and Storm Piece have major claims on their solid maiden efforts too, so the selection won't get anything easy. [Tyrone Molloy]

Race 3: 14:55 Punchestown William Hill Offers Proper Prices Handicap IRE 1m 30y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(14) Seurat	3	Chris Hayes	W T Farrell	Beaten a long way in three maidens and will have to improve plenty even dropping to handicaps.
(1) Lust	6	Sean Bird	Michael Mulvany	Listed winner for Ger Lyons in 2022 but has fallen a long way since then; is off an attractive mark in theory but still needs to do more than lately.
(15) Naisiun	3	Rory Cleary	J S Bolger	Reserve; won a 7f Naas handicap on heavy earlier this year; hasn't been as good since and tongue-tie will need to have an effect.
(5) Big Island	7	Scott McCullagh	W J Lanigan	Dual-purpose winner whose best Flat efforts have come with an ease in the ground; beaten a long way on Roscommon return and best watched for now.
(8) Amanirenas	5	Danny Sheehy	M C Grassick	Won a Bellewstown claimer over this trip in July but has been poor twice since and has to bounce back; cheekpieces left off
(10) Sportingsilvermine	3	J M Sheridan	Denis Gerard Hogan	Maiden has run well in defeat at times; was too keen over 1m2f at Naas last time and could be suited by this drop in trip; one to consider.
3rd (2) Passionate	4	Andrew Slattery	Andrew Slattery	A wide-margin winner of a Killarney handicap on soft ground earlier in the season but was well beaten on good at Gowran since; might need rain on return
(4) Trethorn	3	Shane Foley	Mrs John Harrington	Showed some ability on one of three maiden runs this year, all over 1m2f at the Curragh; cheekpieces on for handicap debut down in trip; check the market.
(13) Purple Sky	3	Gabriella Hill	J S Bolger	One of two runners for yard; best effort when fourth under this rider at Gowran but a lesser effort at Galway a week ago; a chance if bouncing back.
2nd (6) Stormie Outlook	5	Seamie Heffernan	E J O'Grady	Won handicaps over this trip at Gowran and Killarney before decent efforts in defeat at Galway and Cork; can be in the mix again.
(7) Pillar Of Hope	6	Robert Whearty	C Moore	Four wins in UK but has been regressive since moving to Ireland; a better effort when not a clear run at Galway last time; down 2lb and a chance on debut for a new yard.
1st (11) Proleek Prince	4	Dylan Browne McMonagle	M M Rice	Some promise in maidens; best handicap effort came when third over 1m2f at Naas last time; this shorter trip can suit better as he weakened late on that day.
(3) Mooretown Lad	4	James Ryan	M D O'Callaghan	Got off the mark over 1m1f at Leopardstown and mightn't have stayed 10.5f at Naas last time; can be involved down in trip.
(9) Gandolfo	3	Colin Keane	Noel Meade	Some good maiden runs last year but hasn't gone on from that this term; however, best effort came when just denied in a Gowran handicap over this trip last time; up 3lb but should still be a player.
4th (12) Avatar Jet	3	Gary Carroll	Mark Fahey	Won at Killarney but was poor at Galway next time; solid runs twice since but 1m2f might have stretched him at Down Royal last time; has a shout off the same mark.

The Denis Hogan yard is in decent form and SPORTINGSILVERMINE is worth chancing to break his duck down in trip having been too keen over 1m2f last time. Avatar Jet, Gandolfo and Proleek Prince can go well. [Tyrone Molloy]

Race 4: 15:25 Punchestown Happy 60th Birthday To Ger Dunne Of Punchestown Race IRE 1m 1f 39y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
4th (5) Our Town	4	Ronan Whelan	Mark Fahey	French winner over 1m2f (sft) last year was well beaten in two starts in UK and best watched on Irish debut after a break.
(2) Acotango	4	Jack Cleary	Gerard O'Leary	AW winner over a mile in UK for Harry Charlton was 3rd over that trip on final start there; sold for 30,000Gns since; has a bit to find on these terms; due to run at Laytown 7.05 Monday.
2nd (4) Gesture	3	Shane Foley	E J O'Neill	Dual AW winner in the spring was well held twice on turf after; gelded and back from a break, so best watched on these unfavourable terms.
3rd (3) Akecheta	4	Shane B Kelly	Kevin Thomas Coleman	Won a Tipperary maiden over 7f on debut before a fine second in a Gowran conditions event over this trip; just denied over 1m2.5f at Roscommon last time, probably outstayed; this trip can suit better; tongue-tie added.
1st (1) Star Harbour	6	Adam Caffrey	Adrian McGuinness	Has been in good form this year, winning twice including a 1m4f Curragh premier handicap and a Tipperary conditions race over this trip; just denied on AW last time off a mark of 105; will be very difficult to beat on these terms.

It is difficult to oppose STAR HARBOUR. Even though he stays 1m4f, he did win over this trip two starts ago and he should take this. Akecheta looks the one who will give him most to do. [Tyrone Molloy]

Race 5: 15:55 Punchestown William Hill Most Top Price Runners Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden IRE 1m 1f 39y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
3rd (4) Molto Amichi	3	Seamie Heffernan	Eoin Griffin	An 8,000 euros 2yo; fourth foal; dam 1m4f winner (RPR 80), half-sister to 2m Group 3 winner Patkai and 1m4f Group 3 winner Modun, out of unraced sister to 1m2f-1m4f Group/Grade 1 winner Islington; Caravaggio gelding best watched on debut.
10th (9) Binneas	3	Gabriella Hill	J S Bolger	Tenth foal; closely related to 7f-10.6f AW winner Heavy Weight (RPR 82), half-sister to winners Glor Na Mara (Group-placed 1m inc AW; 113), Cirin Toinne (1m1f/1m2f; 97) and Wexford Opera (6.5f-1m; 93); dam unraced daughter of US 7f stakes winner; Parish Hall debutante looks stable second string.
(16) Perfect Reel	3	Danny Sheehy	M C Grassick	Second reserve; sent off at big odds on debut and failed to beat a rival home; others preferred.
11th (11) Onlyinyourdreams	3	Nathan Crosse	Mrs John Harrington	Solid effort on debut at Tipperary when beaten 3.5l into fourth on soft to heavy; failed to back that up on quicker ground at Bellewstown when tailed off; can only be watched after that tame effort; Shane Foley prefers Yes Oui Si.
7th (12) Storm Averted	3	Wesley Joyce	Michael Mulvany	30,000gns yearling; fourth foal; half-sister to 5f AW 2yo winner Aussie Stormer (RPR 78) and KSA 1m winner Galileo Boy; dam Listed-placed 5f/6f 2yo winner (inc AW; 97), out of half-sister to 6f Listed winner Danehill Destiny; Inns Of Court filly is speedily bred and best watched.
13th (3) Lost Soul	3	Gary Halpin	Kevin Prendergast	Tenth foal; half-brother to five winners inc My Sapphire (French 5f 2yo; RPR 90), Cristal Breeze (6f-8.6f inc AW/Australia; 88); dam 1m AW winner (71), half-sister to useful 7f/1m winner Musical Rain; Awtaad debutant probably best watched but is worth a market check.
(15) Good Time Jonny	9		Mrs C O'Leary	First reserve; won the Pertemps at Cheltenham in 2023; struggled on all three Flat starts and will be of more interest when tackling handicaps.
14th (10) Blathnaid	3	Gary Carroll	Cian Hughes	An 8,500 euros foal; eighth foal; half-sister to four winners inc Rasheeq (6f inc AW 2yo; RPR 97), Smiling Jayne (1m2f; 85) and Warm Words (Greek 5.5f-7f); dam unraced half-sister to 1m/1m2f Listed winner Moneycantbuymelove, out of 1m2f winner; Belardo debutante probably best watched.
5th (2) Genoah	3	Colin Keane	M D O'Callaghan	Disappointing first two runs on turf at Leopardstown and Gowran; much better last time switched to the AW at Dundalk, beaten just 2.75l into second; given a rating of 75 and has been gelded since; place chance if he reproduces his Dundalk form back on turf.
4th (1) Coul Dreamer	3	W J Lee	W McCreery	Well-backed on debut at Gowran and ran a fine race behind his stablemate to finish third (Ard Na Mara and Powerful Hook Head behind); drop in trip not ideal when well-beaten at Bellewstown latest and the step back up in trip should suit; not without a chance if repeating his debut effort.
8th (6) Powerful Hook Head	3	Dylan Browne McMonagle	Joseph Patrick O'Brien	Was 8-1 for debut at Gowran when finishing fifth (behind Ard Na Mara and Coul Dreamer); should improve plenty for that run and the tongue tie he wore is retained; he makes the shortlist.
9th (14) Yes Oui Si	3	Shane Foley	Mrs John Harrington	Is 0-5; rated 77; her best runs have come over further; standout effort came in June at the Curragh over 1m4f; beaten 10l at Tramore on latest and shaped like dropping in distance would suit; Shane Foley prefers her over Onlyinyourdreams and she can't be written off in first-time cheekpieces.
6th (13) Strolling	3	Chris Hayes	D K Weld	An 82 rated filly ran her best race to date last time when narrowly denied at Tramore (12f, yielding); the visor worn that day is discarded and blinkers go on; she didn't look the most straightforward of rides the last day and this drop in trip and quicker ground raises question marks; however, she can't be fully discounted.
2nd (5) Mythical Rock	3	Luke McAteer	Alan McIntyre	Best effort in four starts came over this trip at Ballinrobe in June when beaten a head; 3.75l behind Ard Na Mara when sixth of 22 over 10f at the Curragh last month; beaten 6l latest start over 1m at Bellewstown; needs more to win this but has a place chance back up in trip.
12th (7) Vadali	3	Ronan Whelan	M Halford & T Collins	Ground versatile colt has gone close on his last two starts; beaten just 0.5l over 8.5f at Galway on latest, shaping like this sort of trip could suit; rated 78 and should run another solid race but probably needs to find a little bit more to win.
1st (8) Ard Na Mara	3	Rory Cleary	J S Bolger	Split Coul Dreamer and Powerful Hook Head when fourth on debut at Gowran Park; built on that with another fine effort behind Fighter at the Curragh (1m2f, good) and he franked the form in the Petingo Handicap at Leopardstown on Saturday; leading claims.

The standard here is set by the 82 rated Strolling but she isn't straightforward and this drop in trip raises question marks. Vadali looks worth trying at this distance after his run at Galway and he has claims too, as does Yes Oui Si down in trip. However, the Gowran Park maiden contested by Powerful Hook Head, Coul Dreamer and ARD NA MARA could be the key piece of form and preference is for Jim Bolger's filly after her excellent effort at the Curragh last time was boosted by the winner at Leopardstown on Saturday. [Dave Stephens]

Race 6: 16:30 Punchestown William Hill Extra Place Races Daily Irish EBF Fillies Handicap IRE 1m 1f 39y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
3rd (7) Darkdeserthighway	6	Seamie Heffernan	M D O'Callaghan	Three-time winner was a close fourth at Gowran but was poor at Leopardstown since and has to bounce back; unproven over this trip.
(8) Nahori	4	Andrew Slattery	Thomas Gibney	AW maiden winner on debut last year; hasn't progressed since though not a bad effort last time at the Curragh; tongue-tie worn then is left off; not ruled out.
(2) Glen Princess	3	Patrick McGettigan	J P Murtagh	Both wins have been at Gowran over 1m, including a comfortable claimer win last time; blinkers worn then retained; disappointing both handicap starts and needs to do better up in trip.
4th (1) Perfect Poise	4	Colin Keane	G M Lyons	Sole win came over 1m at this track last year; lots of fine runs since in varying ground conditions; looked ready for a step-up in trip at Navan last time and should go well.
(3) Sli Na Ghealai	3	Rory Cleary	J S Bolger	Two wins last year over 7f; solid in defeat last twice over similar trips to this at Galway and Leopardstown; raised 1lb and can go well again.
(5) Tachos	3	Chris Hayes	D K Weld	Gowran handicap winner over this trip in June and solid in defeat since up to 1m2f; blinkers could eke out a bit more improvement so one to consider.
(6) Counterculture	3	W J Lee	W McCreery	Got off the mark on testing ground at Roscommon but handles this surface too; steps up up in trip for handicap debut; can be keen so will need to settle to get home.
1st (4) Shavasi	3	Dylan Browne McMonagle	Joseph Patrick O'Brien	Killarney maiden winner over a mile on fast ground was beaten 4l on handicap debut at Sligo over 1m2f when 2lb out of the handicap; drop in trip could suit and should be a player.
2nd (9) Presence	3	Shane Foley	Mrs John Harrington	Won a Ballinrobe maiden over a similar trip to this and a fine handicap run at Galway since over an extended mile; ground-versatile and can be a player.

A maiden winner over a mile at this track a year ago, PERFECT POISE has run well in defeat at times since but can score again back here. Shavasi might not have stayed an extended 1m2f on handicap debut at Sligo last time and this trip could suit. Sli Na Gealai and Presence can be players too. [Tyrone Molloy]

Race 7: 17:00 Punchestown William Hill Proper Betting Handicap (Div I) IRE 1m 1f 39y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(14) It's A Gamble	3	Killian Leonard	Brian Nolan	Best effort in maidens came when beaten 11l at Limerick; ran poorly on handicap bow in first-time hood which is discarded; may need more time and is 2lb wrong.
(9) Marians Gal	4	Nathan Crosse	Kevin Michael Smith	Ran well on her handicap debut at Dundalk last December; beaten 16l in both handicaps on turf; others preferred.
(15) Hopkins	5		Timothy Doyle	First reserve; good run over 11.5f at Limerick on penultimate start when shaping as though in need of further; beaten out of sight at Tipperary last time; can only watch after that.
(6) Roderick	8	Patrick McGettigan	C Moore	Is 4-22; last win came in a claimer in July 2023 at Killarney for James McAuley; didn't show much in three runs for H D McGuigan and now has his first run for another new yard; best watched with cheekpieces worn last time discarded.
(13) Leviosa	7	Danny Sheehy	Seamus Fahey	Is 1-18 but that win came back in 2021; placed at Limerick and Roscommon earlier this season but her last two runs, over hurdles and on the Flat, have not been as good and she needs a revival; blinkers go back on.
(16) Designer Cailin	6		Patrick Martin	Second reserve; only beaten 2l off 47 at Gowran (9.5f, good) in July; failed to back that up at Dundalk last month which is a worry as has won there before; 0-25 on turf and probably best watched if getting a run.
(12) Dark Treat	5	Mikey Sheehy	Timothy Doyle	Beaten around 9l in first two tries in handicaps; shaped ok at Gowran (9.5f, good) last time out when sixth of 13; is 4lb wrong at the weights here but it is still relatively early days for her and she could outrun her likely odds.
(17) Kampala Beach	5		M Halford & T Collins	Third reserve; Leopardstown winner in August 2023 off 47; off since below par run when 6-4 favourite for a 10.5f Dundalk handicap last November; best watched on return from 300 day absence.
(10) Dazzling Spirit	6	Rory Mulligan	Mrs Denise Foster	Shaped well at Leopardstown in June over this trip when beaten 3.25l off 56; failed to fire over 1m4f and 7f the last twice and is now down to a mark of 50; well-handicapped, returns to her best trip and if she reproduces that Leopardstown run she could outrun her odds.
1st (3) Rockbury Lad	5	Jamie Powell	M D O'Callaghan	Sole win to date came on the AW; 0-20 on turf but didn't run too badly when meeting traffic problems over 7f at Leopardstown last time; can't be fully discounted upped in trip but others look more likely.
3rd (8) Skontonovski	7	Rory Cleary	Adrian McGuinness	Won for the third time on turf off 53 at Fairyhouse at July (7f, good); solid efforts on his last three starts and is only 1lb higher than he was for his last win; however, he has never won over this far and that has to be a worry.
(11) Adhuil	5	Rebecca Parsons	Aidan Anthony Howard	Is 0-17 on the Flat on turf but has posted some decent efforts this year for this 10lb claimer; third, beaten 3.25l on soft ground at Tipperary last time (1m1f); however, he may need softer ground than he is likely to encounter here.
(7) Tartaraghan	3	Siobhan Rutledge	John C McConnell	Is 0-14 on turf but has gone close a few times this season; was beaten just 1.5l into second off 56 at Down Royal last time and given a 3lb rise for that; solid place claims again.
(5) Harseva	4	Gary Halpin	Gerard Keane	Eye-catcher on her handicap debut at Leopardstown and backed that up when beaten just 2l into third at Navan where 1m2f and the stiff finish possibly stretched her stamina; should go well again off 1lb higher dropped slightly in trip.
4th (1) Lady Arwen	5	Jake Coen	Conor O'Dwyer	Is 3-24; last win came off 72 at Gowran in September 2023 (1m, good); on a nice mark if she rediscovers her best but this trip is a concern and she has been in poor form so far this season.
2nd (2) Church Mountain	6	Daniel King	Denis Gerard Hogan	Four-time winner shaped as though he was coming to hand when beaten 2l into fourth at Cork last time; is 13lb below his last winning mark and he has place claims at least if backing up his last effort.
(4) Jarvis Brook	4	Donagh O'Connor	Paul Nolan	Off for 502 days when running a huge race to finish second behind Polemon on his handicap and stable debut at Gowran last month; the winner has gone in again since so a 4lb rise shouldn't be insurmountable; chance once he doesn't bounce.

A wide-open handicap. Jarvis Brook was narrowly denied on his return from a long absence and should go well again off 3lb higher. Church Mountain also shaped nicely last time and he looks well handicapped but narrow preference is for HARSEVA. She has run very well on her last two starts and this slight drop in trip should suit. Tartaraghan has place claims and if the ground turns soft Adhuil is worth considering. [Dave Stephens]

Race 8: 17:30 Punchestown William Hill Proper Betting Handicap (Div II) IRE 1m 1f 39y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(9) Pomeriggio	3	Shane B Kelly	Peter Fahey	Won a claimer for Jessica Harrington in December; poor form since moving to current stable; hard to fancy on recent showings.
(17) Gudrun Genberg	5		Aidan Anthony Howard	Third reserve; 0-14 on turf and best efforts have come on soft ground; back from 201 days off with moderate effort at Navan (1m5f, good to yielding); 7lb wrong and passed over.
(3) The Cola Brasil	8	K W De Oliveira	Michael J Browne	Is 2-13 on turf; back from 151 day break with quiet run at Galway; well beaten on sole try at this sort of trip and all his best form is over shorter; others are preferred.
(16) Cousin Shay	5		John C McConnell	Second reserve; in good form at Dundalk earlier this year; back from 136 day break with a poor effort at Bellewstown; 0-4 on turf and others hold stronger claims.
2nd (14) Dynamite Defense	3	Killian Leonard	Denis Gerard Hogan	First-time blinkers (retained) seemed to bring about an improved performance last time at Tipperary but he still finished ninth of 13; needs more to feature at the business end here and may need more time.
(15) Dumb Love	4		Gerard O'Leary	First reserve; dual purpose filly has run well over hurdles on her last two starts; solid effort on the Flat over this trip at Leopardstown in June off 62; 3lb lower now and could go well if she gets a run.
(13) Ballinahulla	3	Conor Maxwell	Conor David Maxwell	Looked of little account until almost springing a surprise at Down Royal eleven days ago, beaten a short head off 49 at odds of 50-1; that was over 1m5f and not sure this drop in trip will suit.
(1) Wrist Art	7	Sam Coen	Timothy Doyle	Won twice last year, including a division of this race off 47 by 4l; subsequently won at Thurles (8f, soft) off 58 and got a 12lb hike; back down to 64 after a couple of below par efforts this term and jockey takes off 10lb; return to this C&D a plus and could outrun his odds.
3rd (5) Kiki Roberts	3	Mikey Sheehy	Noel Meade	Ran well in a Gowran Park claimer last time out (1m, good); beaten 3.25l off 64 on last handicap start at Leopardstown in August; assessor has given her a chance but she probably needs more to win in first time cheekpieces.
(6) Bride Tree	4	N G McCullagh	Sarah Dawson	Is 0-10 on turf; has won on the AW and posted a fine effort at Dundalk on last start, beaten 1l off 59 over 1m; 5lb lower mark on grass but her best form has come on softer ground; probably needs rain.
(10) Glencullen	4	Rory Cleary	Ms Joanna Morgan	Standout effort came at Fairyhouse in July, beaten 2.75l off 48; hung left last time when attempting to make all at Clonmel; blinkers are now reached for and others are preferred.
(11) Hale Bopp	6	Danny Sheehy	R Donohoe	Back to form when sixth of 28 at the Curragh last time out (7f, good to firm); has never won beyond 1m and his best recent form is on the AW at Dundalk; probably up against it but can't be fully discounted if repeating his last effort.
(12) Tall Story	6	Jack Cleary	Ross O'Sullivan	Is 0-39 but has hit the frame on multiple occasions; poor effort at Leopardstown last month but went close off 47 at Fairyhouse (7f, good) on his penultimate start; 2lb wrong but 7lb claimer negates that and he could bounce back; place claims.
(2) Limestone Red	4	Scott McCullagh	M Halford & T Collins	AW winner is 0-10 on grass but he produced his best turf run to date when beaten 0.5l at Cork last month (1m1f, good to firm); up 2lb for that effort but should be competitive again; place claims if repeating that last run.
(8) Simple Endeavour	3	Siobhan Rutledge	Mrs John Harrington	Prominent racer has to contend with a wide draw here; has gone close the last twice, beaten 0.5l at Tipperary off 56 and 1.25l at Navan off 57; jockey's claim a plus and she should make another bold bid.
4th (7) Finsceal Annie	3	Jamie Powell	Ciaran Murphy	Running really well in handicaps in recent weeks; won off 48 at Tipperary in August over 7.5f; just failed to follow up over 1m1f back there last time when arguably unlucky; up another 5lb but that may not be enough to halt her progression; cheekpieces go on; leading claims.
1st (4) Keilah	4	Nathan Crosse	W McCreery	Has improved since moving to Willie McCreery; best effort yet when beaten just 0.5l at Navan last time out off 52 (1m2f, good); this slight drop in trip should suit on that evidence and she has place claims again off 3lb higher.

A case can be made for quite a few of these. Keilah has run well on her last three starts and ought to be in the shake up again. Limestone Red comes into this on the back of a sound effort last time out and should go well, as should Simple Endeavour but her wide draw is not ideal. FINSCEAL ANNIE gets the nod though. She was arguably a shade unlucky not to win again last time and a 5lb hike may not halt her progression. Wrist Art won a division of this last year and he could go well at a price, as could Tall Story. [Dave Stephens]