A typically competitive renewal of this valuable Punchestown handicap, which features a full field of 28 and a projected strong gallop that could favour horses ridden patiently. The contest has often rewarded improving types from top Irish yards, and the 2024 and 2023 winners both carried 11st+ to victory, highlighting that class has told in recent years. No trainer has dominated the race in the last five editions, but noted names such as Henry de Bromhead, Joseph O’Brien and Gavin Cromwell all field strong contenders here.


—

Leading Contenders

THE OTHER MOZZIE (Gavin Cromwell)
Timeform Rating: 134 | Last Run: 19 days ago (won over fences)
A dual-purpose type who produced a career-best when landing a Premier Handicap Chase at Ayr by four lengths. He now reverts to hurdles off a 2lb lower mark and is unexposed in this sphere for his current yard. Cheekpieces and tongue tie remain on, and Timeform notes he could be “very well treated back over hurdles.” Given how well he travelled and finished last time, he’s entitled to go close again, although market support will likely firm up his chance.

MAGIC DAY (Henry de Bromhead)
Timeform Rating: 127p | Last Run: 6 days ago
Progressive sort from a good family, and her win at Kilbeggan last week showed she’s improving with racing. She races prominently and stays further than this, so a strong pace should suit. Her trainer has a strong Punchestown Festival record, and she remains with untapped potential after just six hurdle starts.

RAYDAMANN (Gordon Elliott)
Timeform Rating: 122p | Last Run: 14 days ago (won)
This 4yo shaped like a proper handicap project when scoring comfortably at Clonmel last time. The Timeform ‘p’ symbol indicates more to come, and he’s bred to progress further over staying trips. Elliott has a respectable Festival record, and Raydamann represents a yard that often targets this week with improving juveniles. If settling better early, he should be a major player.

JANES HARBOUR (Joseph O’Brien)
Timeform Rating: 132+ | Last Run: 21 days ago
Very consistent in juvenile races this spring, finishing runner-up on her last three outings. The ‘+’ in her rating suggests Timeform see her as better than bare figures imply, and she gets a useful 5lb claim. Tends to be held up, which might suit this scenario, and her trainer excels with 4yos at the Festival.


—

Main Dangers

MERCURY MISSION (P. J. Rothwell)
Timeform Rating: 133 | Last Run: 21 days ago (won)
Bids for a hat-trick after scoring in novice events at Wexford and Limerick. He’s not been entirely straightforward but is clearly thriving. Timeform hints at a potential in-running drift due to his hold-up style in a strong pace setup, so late support may be revealing. While trainer form is cold, the horse arrives in excellent shape.

TURN AND FINISH (Harry Derham)
Timeform Rating: 130 | Last Run: 26 days ago
Represents an emerging UK yard with a sharp strike rate. Ran well when second at Newcastle last time and appears to be peaking at the right time. De Bromhead’s former inmate has run consistently this season and has a profile that fits recent winners of this race.

FREE FLOW (Ross O’Sullivan)
Timeform Rating: 129 | Last Run: 47 days ago (won)
Improved to win well at Thurles under today’s 7lb claimer, who keeps the ride. The USA-bred gelding looks well suited by this trip and showed good tactical speed last time. Another who could pick up the pieces if the leaders overdo it.


—

Interesting Outsiders (Each-Way Angles)

(8+ runners = each-way applicable)

GOLD SPEED (Adrian Murray)
Timeform Rating: 135 | Last Run: 159 days ago
Now a 12yo but returned to form on his latest start and returns from a break 2lb below his last winning mark. Timeform highlights he “tends to go well at the track” and if there’s market support, he could sneak into the frame off a featherweight.

BOSTON BOY (Jonjo O’Neill)
Timeform Rating: 128 | Last Run: 34 days ago (won)
An Irish-bred type who won nicely at Fontwell on only his fourth hurdle start. He still looked raw that day and has untapped ability, though he’s not always been the most straightforward. Strong traveller with soft-ground form.


—

Trends to Note

4 of the last 5 winners carried 11st+ (a positive for The Other Mozzie, Magic Day, Raydamann).

4 and 5yos have a decent recent record, especially when coming in with form – positive for Janes Harbour, Turn and Finish, Raydamann.

Recent form counts: Every winner since 2018 had run within the last 45 days – so watch the market carefully for runners off a longer layoff such as Gold Speed, Cappucino, or Apologise.



—

Summary

A wide-open affair as always, with The Other Mozzie boasting standout claims on recent chase form if transferring that back to hurdles. Raydamann and Magic Day appeal as major improvers in the context of a strong pace, while Janes Harbour remains solid each-way value. Those looking for a bigger price could do worse than keep tabs on Free Flow and Gold Speed, particularly if the market speaks in their favour.