15:40 Punchestown – Wednesday, 30 April 2025
Class: Conditions Hurdle | Distance: 2m 3f 58y | Surface: Turf | Going: Yielding | Age: 4yo+ | Prize: €12,000

🧾 Race Conditions & Trends

• Not a handicap, so weight-for-age and penalties don’t apply – the race hinges on form class, fitness, and stable intent.
• Strong pace forecast, which is expected to suit late-running types with proven stamina.
• W. P. Mullins has a strong recent record in this race, winning 4 of the last 7 renewals.
• Horses off a break longer than 60 days should be watched closely for market support or drift, particularly in spring targets like this.

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⭐️ Strongest Contenders

Got Glory (FR) – Trainer: W. P. Mullins | Jockey: Paul Townend | TF Rating: 144

A talented mare on her day, she has won at Listed level and looked the likely winner before falling two out on her latest run at Clonmel. The Timeform pace comment upgrades her chance given a strong gallop will allow her to settle and finish late. Her tendency to fail to complete is a concern, with a record of PFF-, and this will be her first run in 105 days, so the pre-race market may reveal stable intent. Nonetheless, her ability is not in question, and Mullins has made a habit of targeting this race with classy but slightly enigmatic types.

Timeform flag: “Prone to mistakes”
Trend Positive: Trained by Mullins, who has won this in 2023 (Grangeclare West), 2019 (Elimay), and 2015.

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Blue Mosque (IRE) – Trainer: Noel Meade | Jockey: Donagh Meyler | TF Rating: 142

One of the more consistent runners in this line-up, he has placed in multiple maiden hurdles and was seventh in a competitive Listed novice handicap last time out. That was a credible effort and this drop back in trip, combined with a galloping track and yielding ground, could suit him better. He races prominently, which may test him late under a strong pace, but he’s unlikely to be far away.

Trainer note: Meade’s runners have been running to form, and he has a solid record at Punchestown with staying hurdlers.

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Kaid D’Authie (FR) – Trainer: W. P. Mullins | Jockey: M. P. Walsh | TF Rating: 140

A well-made chasing type who won a Leopardstown maiden hurdle in December and was sent straight to the Cheltenham Festival. His run in the Baring Bingham ended early due to severe interference and a first-flight mistake, so is best forgiven. Comes here fresh from a 49-day absence, but his chasing physique suggests he might just need further in time. Still, the yard’s confidence in targeting this race again is notable.

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⚠️ Main Dangers

Fad Eadrainn (IRE) – Trainer: Patrick T. Foley | Jockey: S. D. Torrens | TF Rating: 128

Showed real authority when winning by 10 lengths at Clonmel last time, having previously shaped well in several novice hurdles. The strength of that race is debatable, but the manner of victory demands respect. Has raced keenly, so the strong pace may help him settle. Has been kept busy and could improve again.

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Tradecraft (IRE) – Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Jockey: James Bowen | TF Rating: 127p

An improving type from Seven Barrows, he got off the mark over hurdles in a small-field Sandown novice in February and is clearly on an upward trajectory. The form has worked out steadily. Travels well and is likely to be suited by a strong tempo. Henderson rarely sends them to Punchestown unless they’re here to run well, and this type can slip under the radar.

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👀 Interesting Outsiders

Locked Box (IRE) – Trainer: C. W. J. Farrell | Jockey: Philip Donovan (3) | TF Rating: 132p

Another open to significant progress. Won a 24-runner maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse with authority, jumping well and shaping as though more to come. Still unexposed and shaped as though a strong run race over this kind of trip would bring improvement. A watch-the-market candidate given it’s only eight days since that win.

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Centreofattention (IRE) – Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Jockey: J. S. McGarvey

Unraced since winning a Wincanton bumper 474 days ago. Big absence to overcome and no recent hurdling experience, so hard to weigh up. On pedigree and connections, could have ability, but surely best watched unless there’s strong market support.

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❌ Less Persuasive Types

• American Mike (IRE) – TF Rating: 141+
  A smart horse in the past, but not the force of old. Ran poorly in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham, and while this is a drop in class, the strong pace may expose a lack of sharpness. He’s also better over 2m4f+ when he can control tempo. Pace hint from Timeform: Expectations downgraded due to race shape.
• Saint Le Fort (FR) – TF Rating: 125
  Winner of a Cork maiden hurdle but was kept to lesser company. Pedigree contains quality (half-brother to Jon Snow), but profile not yet tested in open company of this strength.
• Champagne Kid (IRE) – TF Rating: 129
  Consistent in defeat, placed several times in maidens but lacks a change of gear. Might struggle to lay a glove on classier rivals.

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🧭 Summary & Strategy

This is a fascinating conditions hurdle where proven class, trainer targeting patterns, and pace dynamics should all be weighed carefully.

• Strongest on form: Got Glory, assuming she completes, and Blue Mosque, with less to prove.
• Most progressive: Locked Box and Tradecraft both have the profile to surprise.
• Trainer watch: Mullins has won 4 of the last 7 editions and saddles two live players again.
• Market watch: Especially for Got Glory, Kaid D’Authie, and Centreofattention, who return from breaks.