12.15 Tote Always SP Or Better At Punchestown Beginners Chase 2m 7f 40yds

Shantreusse made a pleasing debut over fences and can get off the mark now. Henry de Bromhead’s gelding was fourth to Gerri Colombe in a Fairyhouse beginners’ chase over two miles and five furlongs. A winner of a Grade 3 novice hurdles on heavy going last season, today’s longer trip and probable softer ground should suit him better.

Paul Townend has chosen to ride Aione, but there may not have been much between him and Hi Ho Phoenix, who Danny Mullins rides. He was smoothly over hurdles last season, on what was his first run off a lay-off, and he may be able to put up another big run coming in off a long break.

SELECTION: SHANTREUSSE

Next best: Hi Ho Phoenix

12.47 SP Or Better Guaranteed With Tote Handicap Chase 2m7f 40yds

Stumptown makes plenty of appeal coming up to this trip for the first time. He put up the best of his four runs over fences on his latest start at Thurles, running on into third behind Filon D’Oudairies in a two-mile-two-furlong contest. Last year he shaped like a stayer, most notably when running on into sixth in a two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle at the festival meeting at this course. If he can improve for this longer trip, he should be very competitive off a mark of 112.

Friendly Star is another who makes appeal coming up to this trip. He has run well enough three times now for Tony Martin but arguably the best of those efforts came at this track when third to Farceur Du Large.

John Adams, a course-and-distance winner, is another who makes appeal, having run very well here in a cross country race won by Delta Work.

SELECTION: STUMPTOWN

Next best: John Adams

1.22 Play The Tote Exacta On Every Race 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle 2m 100yds

Morning Soldier was among the best of these on the flat and can build on a promising debut which came at this course. The Thomas Mullins-trained gelding found only Nusret too good in a big field maiden hurdle here last month, and the form of that race was upgraded by the winner’s useful effort at Grade 2 level at Leopardstown during the week.

Sir Allen is another who finished second on his debut, shaping like he could be a better hurdles horse. He found only Blood Destiny too good at Cork and should go close now for Andrew Slattery. One more to note is Alphonso Le Grande who makes his debut for Tony Martin having previously won at Dundalk for Ray Cody.

SELECTION: MORNING SOLDIER

Next best: Sir Allen

1.57 Tote Proudly Sponsoring at Punchestown Hurdle 2m 3f 120yds

Floueur bolted up last time but that was over three miles on heavy ground so he might be vulnerable now. Summerville Boy appeals as the most interesting, having his debut now for Henry de Bromhead. A previous winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, he has been a solid operator throughout his career and ran right up to marks in the mid 150s last season. He has also won twice on his seasonal debut so there is every chance he can run to his best today.

Saint Sam is another who won well on his seasonal debut last season, before running creditably in Grade 1 novice chases. He comes back over hurdles now, but has the class to get involved, while he may well improve again. Run For Oscar, the Cesarewitch winner and then third in a good three-mile handicap hurdle at Haydock, is also interesting coming back down to this trip.

SELECTION: SUMMERVILLE BOY

Next best: Saint Sam

2.32 tote.ie Never Beaten By SP Tara Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) 2m 3f 120yds

This is a competitive handicap hurdle but it’s hard to get away from how impressive Hgranca De Thaix was last time at Galway. Barry Connell’s five-year-old travelled strongly and despite only taking it up at the last, he went all of 17 lengths clear up the run-in. That was just his eighth start and first of the season, so he has the scope to improve again, and a 15lb penalty may not be enough to stop him.

Captain Conby appeals as well. He was last seen finishing third to Shewearsitwell over three miles at this course, form which has been enhanced since. Prior to that he was second to Eric Bloodaxe over this trip at Fairyhouse which was another fine effort. San Salvador was beaten by Riaan on his seasonal debut but should strip fitter now and can reverse form with that runner at least.

SELECTION: HGRANCA DE THAIX

Next best: Captain Conby

3.07 Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle 2m 100yds

Little Mixup is out quickly after winning at Limerick and can win again. Denis Hogan’s five-year-old sprang a surprise there, but he appeared to have plenty in hand, flashing his tail on the run-in while maintaining a four-length advantage. Even with a 7lb penalty, he probably has a bit in hand so ought to go close again.

Thefaithfulindian was a bit disappointing on his latest start but has previous good form at this course having finished second here to Lucy Van Pelt in May.

SELECTION: LITTLE MIXUP

Next best: Thefaitfulindian

3.42 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race 2m 2f

Very little to go on here but after such a strong showing at the Christmas festivals, it’s hard to oppose Willie Mullins. He has Abi’s Champ here, who will be ridden by Patrick Mullins, and is interesting already as a half-sister the former David Pipe-trained Israel Champ who was a smart bumper performer, winning a listed contest at Cheltenham.

In a race where experience could be at a premium, maybe Visible Attraction can make hers count. She has already run in three bumpers and two point-to-points, acquitting herself well in the process.

SELECTION: ABI’S CHAMP

Next best: Visible Attraction