THURSDAY PUNCHESTOWN IRISH NH TIPS

A smart handicapper over hurdles and some good beginners chase form under his belt. He broke his maiden over fences at Tipperary last week and a mark of 130 seems lenient in my eyes. I think he's an each way bet to nothing and certainly has the ability to win a race of this nature.

The nicer ground will help him and with a good gallop ensured by Blood Destiny he will be able to use his natural pace to travel into this and I think he has to go close.

This is a horse with plenty of quirks but also immense ability. If they can manage to channel it at any stage, I'm certain he's a Grade 1 horse in the making. Willie Mullins normally sends a very smart bumper horse to this race but I'm siding with the Elliott charge.

Going right-handed should suit and a speed favouring track is another plus. This son of Kayf Tara put up a massive performance to win on debut where he did plenty wrong, but that immaturity came back to bite him last time when he ran away with Harry Swan the whole way in a better race at Naas and just ran out of puff inside the final furlong. I'm taking a punt that he will settle better because if he does, he will be a force to be reckoned with.

A smart dual-purpose performer who has some smart handicap form in the book over the winter with the likes of Waterford Whispers and Answer To Kayf both of whom are rated much higher now.

Back on a bit of a sounder surface should suit and the yard have been amongst the winners of late. He comes here on the back of a 75-day break and with freshness on his side that could be vital when the heat is turned on late here. I'm expecting a big run at a big price.