STEPHEN HARRIS’ THURSDAY PUNCHESTOWN TIPS

Patrick Foley’s tough and battle-hardened veteran 11-year-old had no chance in Grade 2 company last time out at Fairyhouse, but still shaped as though in top form with the way he travelled, and this return to handicap company can see him get back in the winner's enclosure. He has won three of his 19 career starts so far over fences, and encouragingly won on good ground over hurdles at this track in his younger days for a previous yard.

He could well be overlooked in the market because of his age and makes plenty of appeal at a double-figure price against some largely opposable rivals.

Willie Mullins progressive young chaser took his form to another level when winning over 2m4f at Aintree last time out (very well backed and ridden with confidence from rear) and has more than enough natural pace to cope with a drop down to 2m here.

He remains with scope as his jumping gains fluency (still ponderous early last time but warmed to his task through the race), and this looks another excellent piece of placing by the newly crowned champion trainer (with a small field likely to become a test of speed).

Mouse Morris’s unexposed seven-year-old was one of the eyecatchers to take from the Cheltenham festival in March, racing wide throughout/conceding ground and shaping really well in fifth behind the well punted Langer Dan.

That form has been well franked twice since by the winner at Graded level, and this field of graded stayers should be strongly run and bring his proven stamina to play late on.