STEPHEN HARRIS’S SATURDAY PUNCHESTOWN TIPS

Gavin Cromwell has made no secret of the regard in which he holds this exciting young hurdler, and it looks significant that he has pitched him in deep straight to this valuable Grade 1 prize (with the yard continuing in cracking form after nine winners in the last fortnight at a 16pc strike rate).

He has created a deep impression in winning at Naas and Fairyhouse over hurdles so far (formerly smart on the flat for Ciaran Murphy), and these quickening spring ground conditions could see him in an even better light now stepping right up in class.

Gordon Elliott has enjoyed a profitable Punchestown this week, and his progressive handicapper can gain swift compensation for poor run at Cheltenham last time out (jockey reported he was never travelling at any stage). He remains relatively fresh after just five runs this season, and a strongly run race here should bring his proven stamina into play late with any luck in-running.

The form of his previous efforts over hurdles has worked out well, and the suspicion remains that he might have got into handicaps from a lenient mark despite that Coral Cup flop at the festival.

Willie Mullins free-going mare had been building a progressive profile until disappointing the last twice out on very heavy ground (latterly poorly positioned at the Cheltenham festival in rear initially behind the hard-held Lossiemouth) and can bounce back to her best here now getting some better spring ground for the first time all season.

She is a very smooth traveller with a turn of foot at her best, who has now won four of her 10 starts, and this intermediate 2m3f trip should suit ideally (with a strong gallop to help her settle on the cards a big positive to her chances).