3:40 – Mares’ Novice Hurdle (Listed)
Grangee 7/2 – Willie Mullins, Paul Townend
The six-year-old mare drops back down in trip to an extended two miles which should suit more than her last run over 2m4f in which she didn’t quite see out her race.
Her run at Cheltenham was respectable in third, with Party Central finishing seventh, Dinoblue back in ninth.
She won the Mares bumper here last year, beating the progressive Glan who has since gone on to perform well over hurdles.
In December she ran in a Grade One at Leopardstown against the geldings and was the last of the finishers in fourth, but she wasn’t disgraced and finished just over three-lengths behind second-placed Three Stripe Life (148-rated) who recently won a Grade One at Aintree.
It’s likely she’ll need to show improvement to win this, but there is plenty to like about her.
4:15 – Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade One)
Sir Gerhard 8/11 – Willie Mullins, Paul Townend
He drops back in trip to an extended two miles following an extremely impressive win in awful conditions at Cheltenham.
In his last two runs he has beaten Three Stripe Life, a really progressive horse who has since gone on, as mentioned, to win a Grade One at Aintree.
Dysart Dynamo is a very talented horse, but his pre-race antics at Cheltenham were slightly concerning and probably ruined his chances in the race.
He was much too keen early on, and was lit up from the start.
If he does go forward again, which is likely, he’ll probably get it easier out in front this time without Jonbon in the mix, and that may help him settle.
However, his stablemate Sir Gerhard is the most reliable selection as he’s performed professionally this season and looks to be a better horse at the moment than those who oppose him here.
4:50 – Handicap Hurdle (Grade B)
Clifton Warrior 16/1 (EW) – Henry De Bromhead, Mike O’Connor (5)
This six-year-old could be slightly unexposed and may represent some value in the market in what could be an open race.
The favourite, Arla, has been performing consistently of late and won his maiden over hurdles impressively at Navan earlier in the season.
He has to be respected but is rated 1lbs lower than Clifton Warrior, who himself has respectable form over timber.
De Bromhead’s gelding was last seen finishing second behind Arctic Warrior at Wexford with both of them pulling clear from the rest of the field.
Earlier in the season he did disappoint over 2m4f but this trip will suit him and the better ground should see him improve.
He is inexperienced, but could be well handicapped and jockey Mike O’Connor is set to claim 5lbs which could help him run into the places.
5:25 – Punchestown Champion Chase
Energumene 4/5 – Willie Mullins, Paul Townend
Although last year’s winner Chacun Pour Soi is unbeaten at this track with two wins from two, he faces stiff opposition to retain his crown here in the form of his stablemate Energumene.
Energumene is currently rated 1lbs lower than last year’s winner, but has found only Shishkin better than him over fences to date.
It’s difficult to see anyone beating the eight-year-old gelding, but if the Chacun Pour Soi of old does turn up then he could give him a run for his money.
Energumene was a comfortable winner of the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, but the race did fall apart with the early exit of Shishkin and Chacun Pour Soi’s unfortunate unseating of jockey Patrick Mullins, who once again takes the ride.
6:35 – Champion Novice Chase
Fury Road 13/2– Gordon Elliott, Jack Kennedy
Fury Road chased home Ahoy Senor at Aintree, finishing five lengths behind the potential future Gold Cup contender.
He beat L’Homme Presse and Bravemansgame there, but it’s probable that neither were at their best and may have had some issues.
Fury Road put in a good performance but did suffer some trouble prior to the race, running into a plastic railing on the way down to post.
It’s reported that he showed signs of post-race ataxia following his effort, and that may be a cause of concern.
However, if he is in good shape following his Aintree performance he may be able to take advantage here.
Since making the switch to fences he has performed well but has often been running in competitive company, including when facing Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown in February.
He was also beaten by Gabynako on chase debut, a horse who subsequently went on to finish a good second behind Edwardstone in the Arkle at Cheltenham.
There are question marks surrounding Bob Olinger as he steps up in trip here, and he may not be over his issues.
He hasn’t appeared to be the most natural jumper over fences, despite being a top-class hurdler.
If he does turn up at his best, and is able to jump with some fluency, he may well be too good for his rivals.
Millers Bank is a talented horse but is prone to making the odd mistake and can be less than fluent himself when jumping.
Similarly to Bob Olinger, if he is able to run without making errors it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
But, Fury Road is the selection to put in a solid round of jumping and stay on at the finish.
By Katie Midwinter (25/04/22)
THE CONDITIONAL 
Good luck
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