A typically ferocious renewal of the Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle (Listed), a competitive 2m7f110y contest forming part of the Thursday card at Punchestown. The going is yielding, and with a very strong pace forecast, the race looks set to test stamina to the full.

This is often won by a battle-hardened or improving stayer. Notably, Willie Mullins has won three of the last ten renewals, so respect for his pair – C’est Ta Chance and Chart Topper – is warranted, even though both lack handicap experience.


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Leading Contenders

BEAT THE BAT (TFR 152) – Trainer: Harry Fry
A solid fourth in the Coral Cup, shaping like a horse ready for this longer trip. He travelled well at Cheltenham and stayed on strongly, and although he hasn’t won beyond 2m4f, his profile and physique suggest 3m should suit. From a stable in red-hot form and with that top-level handicap experience under his belt, he looks primed to go very close. One of the few in this field with strong spring festival form and the top Irish handicap marks to match.

JERIKO DU REPONET (TFR 152) – Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Runner-up in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham and now returns to hurdling after an unsuccessful chase start. Lightly raced for his age and still open to improvement. The concern is a 49-day layoff, so market strength will be instructive – positive support would enhance confidence. If fully tuned up, he has the tools to go close again.

DODDIETHEGREAT (TFR 151) – Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Beat Jeriko du Reponet in that same Pertemps Final and did so from a prominent position, finding more late. That form looks rock-solid, but he can be quirky and has been tried in cheekpieces and tongue-tie recently. He’s one of the more exposed types, but still enters calculations if reproducing Cheltenham’s effort.


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Main Dangers

KARL DES TOURELLES (TFR 155) – Trainer: Philip Fenton
Shaped well in the Pertemps Final when fading late after pressing the leader early in the straight. He was a huge price that day but travelled notably well. Still lightly raced, and the highest Timeform rating here, but a 49-day break and a cold yard temper enthusiasm. One to monitor in the betting.

PARK OF KINGS (TFR 153) – Trainer: Paul Nolan
Ran with credit in a top handicap at Aintree, shaping as though the trip and pace would suit him ideally. A course winner and clearly still improving, he’s got a progressive staying profile. Handled yielding ground well before and looks nicely treated off his mark. One of the more likely Irish-trained winners.

CHART TOPPER (TFR 151p) – Trainer: W.P. Mullins
Unexposed and open to stacks of improvement now going handicapping over 3m. He’s been kept to novice company and beaten at short odds at Ayr last time, but this has likely been the plan. Trainer has won this race three times and it’s notable that this is the stable’s stronger hope on ratings. First-time in a big field, so temperament and settling may be tested.


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Interesting Outsiders & EW Angles (8+ runners)

CUSTOM TAYLOR (TFR 149) – Trainer: Declan Queally
Improving fast and made all in a Fairyhouse listed handicap last time, staying on well. That form is working out nicely. He’s untested in a field of this depth, but his attitude and stamina are assets. One for each-way players, particularly with the yard in good form.

GABBYS CROSS (TFR 154) – Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Ran a stormer on return from a long absence when second at Naas in a race that didn’t suit his stamina-heavy profile. Now back over a trip more in line with his staying chase form, and the strong pace forecast will suit. A significant pace hint from Timeform flags his profile as well-suited here. If making the final field (currently a reserve), he would be a very interesting each-way angle.

FLICKER OF HOPE (TFR 152) – Trainer: Mark Fahey
Won four of his first five this season and looked like a rising star in staying handicaps. Pulled up in Grade 1 company last time, but that may have been a bridge too far. Returns to handicap company now, and the Timeform trainer stat is positive when Fahey runs a sole hurdler on a card. Not without hope at double-figure odds.


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Trends & Trainer Angles

7 of the last 10 winners had run at Cheltenham or Aintree earlier in the spring.

W. P. Mullins has trained 3 of the last 10 winners.

Horses stepping up to 3m for the first time have a good recent record in this race.

Strong pace setups have often suited closers and hold-up horses who stay well.



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Conclusion

BEAT THE BAT brings strong recent form and looks a stayer in the making. He gets the nod with his Coral Cup run looking increasingly solid. Park of Kings and Chart Topper are main dangers, particularly if the latter handles the big field. Custom Taylor and Gabby’s Cross (if he gets in) rate interesting each-way options at bigger prices.