STEPHEN HARRIS’S FRIDAY PUNCHESTOWN TIPS

Willie Mullins strapping novice has now won three of his four career start over hurdles and created a deep impression when landing the Baring Bingham hard on the bridle at the Cheltenham festival in March (albeit with little to beat on the day).

He is a very strong traveller who could yet emerge as a serious Champion hurdle contender next season for his all-conquering stable and is likely to make all the running here at a brisk tempo under Paul Townend. The spring ground conditions should also suit, and none of these rivals possess his ability or potential to keep on improving.

Henry de Bromhead has his team in blistering form at the moment, with eight winners in the last fortnight at a 24pc strike rate. His progressive seven-year-old handicapper showed these big field chases suited when winning in commanding style at Galway last August, jumping superbly from the front under a positive ride, and his freshness at this stage of the season should be a real asset (first run since October and more to come after just four runs over fences so far).

Attacking tactics are never a bad plan of attack at this venue, and he could take plenty of reeling in if able to dominate proceedings from the tape.

Willie Mullins prolific veteran hunter may have been written off too soon by punters and bookmakers after a below par run at the Cheltenham festival (bad blunder at the last saw him tire up the hill on testing ground), and he represents terrific value now at the current prices back on home turf on better ground.

He is a very strong stayer who takes plenty of humouring to stay interested as he has got older, but the assured strong gallop in this competitive field should set things up ideally for his customary late charge up the Punchestown straight.