A competitive renewal of this Grade 3 bumper for mares rounds off the card on Wednesday evening at Punchestown, drawing together a blend of promising Listed and Grade 2 form, unexposed potential, and proven stamina. A strong early pace is forecast, which may test those with speedier profiles and could favour more patiently ridden types who stay well.

Leading Contenders

SEO LINN (TFR 116) – Trainer: P. Twomey | Jockey: Mr B. O’Neill
The standout on form, Seo Linn brings Grade 2-winning credentials from Aintree and has now won her last three bumpers in increasingly authoritative fashion. Flat-bred and compact, she possesses tactical speed and travelled notably strongly when scoring at Cheltenham and again at Aintree. The main concern is the expected strong pace, which may test her stamina more thoroughly than previous assignments. Still, she sets a clear standard on adjusted ratings and remains the one to beat on merit.

FUTURE PROSPECT (TFR 112) – Trainer: W. P. Mullins | Jockey: Mr P. W. Mullins
One of two fillies in the line-up by Order of St George, Future Prospect impressed when winning her debut bumper by 9 lengths and has since placed third in a Listed race at Fairyhouse. She raced freely there and may settle better now in a strongly run contest. The trainer has won this race twice in the last five years (2021, 2023), and this mare looks open to further improvement if things drop right late on.

CARRIGMOORNASPRUCE (TFR 113) – Trainer: Declan Queally | Jockey: Mr D. L. Queally
A consistent and battle-hardened performer, she’s already a dual bumper winner and filled the runner-up spot behind Switch From Diesel at Fairyhouse last time, a formline that ties in closely with both Future Prospect and Amen Kate. She shapes like one who will appreciate the pace scenario and brings solid Listed form into the mix. A likeable each-way option with minimal questions to answer.

---

Main Dangers

GOOD GIRL KATHLEEN (TFR 103p) – Trainer: Emmet Mullins | Jockey: Mr J. L. Gleeson
Emmet Mullins’s runner looked a mare with potential when winning on debut at Limerick by nearly five lengths, quickening up nicely off a steady early gallop. This will demand more, but she is bred to be well above average—being from the family of Faugheen—and Timeform’s pace hint suggests she could benefit most from a collapsing pace. Improvement is anticipated, and market strength would increase confidence.

ROCK ON BY (TFR 108) – Trainer: Paul Nolan | Jockey: Mr D. O’Connor
Galway bumper winner who showed a willing attitude under pressure on debut. She was off for 185 days, which poses a slight fitness question, but she’s in good hands and has form that can improve markedly in line with typical progression for the yard. Her breeding suggests stamina won’t be an issue. Market moves should be watched closely given the absence.

AMEN KATE (TFR 111) – Trainer: Thomas Cooper | Jockey: Mr Finian Maguire
Won well at Listowel on debut (beating Carrigmoornaspruce by over 7 lengths), but couldn’t repeat the dose in Listed company last time when one-paced. That form now has a solid look, but she may again find a few too sharp late on, especially if forced to do too much early.

---

Interesting Outsiders

DIVABORIVA (TFR 101) – Trainer: Jonathan Sweeney | Jockey: Mr A. P. Ryan
Lightly raced and bred to stay further, she shaped as though needing her hurdling debut recently after nearly a year off. She’s got the profile of one who could step forward with experience, and although this is a stiff task, the pedigree and trainer make her of some interest for future handicaps.

CHAMPAGNE VENTURE (TFR 92) – Trainer: D. Broad | Jockey: Mr H. C. Swan
Form lacks substance compared to the main protagonists, but she has run with credit in deeper contests. Unlikely to be good enough here unless there’s significant improvement or the race falls apart, but she does have the benefit of a recent run.

---

Trainer Trends

• Willie Mullins has won this race twice in the last five editions (2021 – Grangee, 2023 – Junta Marvel), and his representative Future Prospect fits the typical profile: lightly raced, expensive purchase, and open to big progress.
• P. Twomey is less exposed in this type of contest but is fast becoming a go-to name in mares’ races, especially with well-schooled bumper types.
• Paul Nolan and Emmet Mullins are worth noting when targeting Punchestown bumpers with unexposed mares – both have strong records with small strings.

---

---

Conclusion

Seo Linn sets the standard on form and ratings, but the strong pace forecast and yield-finding ground could play into the hands of strong stayers and closers. Carrigmoornaspruce brings consistency and is a reliable each-way proposition in a race that looks set to play to her strengths. Future Prospect and Good Girl Kathleen appeal as the most likely improvers, while Rock On By is a lively outsider if tuned up.