The 1:25 Punchestown, a 2m novice chase on soft ground, features eight runners in a competitive contest. With a weak pace forecast, positioning and tactical speed could be key.

Latest Odds (as of 19th February 2025)

• Waterford Whispers – 9/4
• Springt De La Mare – 10/3
• Release The Beast – 5/1
• Rath Gaul Boy – 11/2
• Jasko Des Dames – 8/1
• Fascile Mode – 11/1
• Western Diego – 11/1
• Built By Ballymore – 33/1

Race Analysis

Waterford Whispers (9/4)

A consistent performer for Henry de Bromhead, he has finished in the first two on five of his last seven starts. His chase form is solid, but he tends to find one too strong at the finish. The favourite, but not unbeatable.

Springt De La Mare (10/3)

Won a novice chase at Fairyhouse last time out, jumping well. He races prominently and is open to further improvement. The concern is his past tendency to trade short in running before getting beaten.

Release The Beast (5/1)

Trained by Paul Nolan, this last-time-out winner at Limerick beat a solid rival by six lengths. With the expected slow pace, he should be well positioned. A serious contender.

Trainer Form: Nolan has had a quiet start to 2025, with a 8% strike rate (3 wins from 39 runners). His long-term numbers from 2024 indicate a consistent but modest 8% strike rate (21 wins from 266 runners). His Punchestown record is 8% (47 wins from 582 runners), which is below the top-tier trainers but still competitive in novice chases. While not in red-hot form, he has produced some well-prepared runners at this track.

Rath Gaul Boy (11/2)

Represents Willie Mullins and returns from a 296-day layoff. He has the highest HRB rating but might need the run. Market moves will be informative. Mullins has an impressive 23% strike rate at Punchestown (564 wins from 2449 runners), making this runner worthy of consideration despite the absence.

Jasko Des Dames (8/1)

Another de Bromhead runner, he has winning form over fences and acts on soft ground. A front-runner who could take advantage if left alone up front. His chase record is strong, with 2 wins from 3 starts, including a Punchestown novice chase win. He has performed well over similar distances, and his record with jockey Darragh O’Keeffe is notable (3 rides, 2 wins, 3 places). A strong candidate if the race unfolds in his favour.

Trainer Form: Henry de Bromhead’s yard has had a slow start in 2025, with a 7% strike rate (6 wins from 84 runners), which is below his usual standard. However, his long-term numbers show a solid 16% strike rate in 2024 (119 wins from 754 runners). His record at Punchestown is 11% (101 wins from 917 runners), which is respectable but not outstanding. While the yard is not in flying form, they remain competitive, and their runners should not be dismissed lightly.

Fascile Mode (11/1)

A useful hurdler but unconvincing over fences. Pulled up last time and jumping remains a concern.

Western Diego (11/1)

Has ability but remains unproven beyond 2m. Needs to find improvement to feature here.

Built By Ballymore (33/1)

A longshot who looks outclassed based on previous chase form.

Verdict

• Best Bet: Release The Beast (5/1) – Improving and well suited to how this race is likely to be run.
• Each-Way Value: Jasko Des Dames (8/1) – Strong chase record and solid form with O’Keeffe make him an appealing each-way option.
• Biggest Risk: Rath Gaul Boy (11/2) – Has the ability but could need the run after a long absence.

With a weak pace expected, horses who race prominently should be favoured. Release The Beast and Jasko Des Dames look the most suited to the race conditions. The betting market will provide further clues closer to race time.