STEPHEN HARRIS’ WEDNESDAY PUNCHESTOWN TIPS

Willie Mullins held an incredibly strong hand at the entry stage of this Grade 1 hurdle, but it may pay to look elsewhere and Emmet Mullins unexposed former point winner ticks plenty of boxes at the current prices.

He looked a very exciting prospect when making a winning Rules debut at Cork in April having been hammered in the market, and this step up to three miles for the first time over hurdles promises to unlock plenty more improvement (with the size and scope to make a cracking chaser sooner rather than later).

Martin Brassil’s stable star was in the process of running a big race when unseating at the 16th fence in the Gold Cup last time out and can gain some compensation in this valuable Grade 1 prize back on home territory.

He remains with scope to improve over fences after just eight career starts (three wins), and the better spring ground expected should suit given how strongly he travels on the bridle. His price may be on the generous side with his yard perhaps slightly under the radar to punters (particularly in comparison to the Mullins/Elliott stables).

Gordon Elliott’s talented handicapper has proved hard to place over the winter months in relatively warm company, but he has now slipped down the weights and might relish a drop down in trip to 2m4f (with stamina for further established and a strongly run race certain in this big field).

He usually has at least one big handicap payday a season for his astute connections, and confidence would certainly increase if there were a positive late market move close to the off (with Jack Kennedy an eye-catching booking).