This closing bumper on day four of the Punchestown Festival is often a lively betting heat and typically showcases young horses with future hurdling ambitions. With a full field of 23 and a strong early gallop predicted, stamina and positioning will be crucial. Several powerful yards are represented here, including trainers who have won this race in recent seasons – most notably Willie Mullins, who struck with My Mate Mozzie in 2021 and again with King Rasko Grey‘s damline connections.

---

🔝 Strongest Contenders

King Rasko Grey (104p) – W.P. Mullins | Miss J. Townend
Fourth in the Land Rover Bumper at this meeting last year, shaping with distinct promise. Off the track since but remains open to considerable improvement and represents a yard with a 25–38% strike rate at the track in similar events. The layoff (367 days) is a question mark, but the booking of Miss Townend and weight of support in early markets would be strong positives. A genuine contender if tuned up.

Riskaway (106) – Gordon Elliott | Mr H. C. Swan
Runner-up in a big field at Thurles and showed clear ability in points. Represents a stable whose runners often improve for their second outing in bumpers. With the pace expected to be honest, his settling and finishing effort will be key. He’s had 57 days off, so market signals should be monitored.

Mondoui’boy (107) – Harry Derham | Mr David Maxwell
UK-trained but shaped well in a steadily-run race at Sandown on debut, splitting horses that have since won. Strong-finishing type who should be suited by the likely tempo and step up in trip. Hasn’t run for 90 days, but the stable has done well with bumper types this season.

---

⚠️ Main Dangers

Soldier In Milan (—) – Emmet Mullins | Mr J. L. Gleeson
Unraced under rules but made a striking impression winning a point. Mullins has a reputation for unearthing hidden talent in this sphere, and while he lacks a Timeform figure, this gelding’s pedigree (closely related to Time To Rocco) and early market interest suggest he’s a likely player if strong pre-race.

Espresso Milan (101) – Fergal O’Brien | Mr Finian Maguire
Outsider at first glance, but ran a good second in a Market Rasen bumper and comes from a high-class jumping pedigree. Trainer has a good record with bumpers in Ireland. Will appreciate a test, and the 73-day layoff could see him progress again if he’s sharpened up.

Catchintsavo (102) – Anthony Honeyball | Mr D. Doyle (7)
Placed in both UK bumpers and brings plenty of race fitness. Stays well and has shaped like a stayer throughout. Might get tapped for toe but has the form to feature if others falter. Not a flashy profile but solid.

---

💡 Interesting Outsiders

Conman John (95p) – Lucinda Russell | Mr R. James (7)
Second in a Newcastle bumper and purchased for £170k after an Irish point win. Very much unexposed and the sort to come forward markedly for that debut. The UK-to-Ireland angle is interesting given connections – not dismissed lightly.

Ma Jacks Hill (100) – Gordon Elliott | Mr J. H. Williamson (7)
Three solid runs in bumpers without winning, and while he may be vulnerable to classier types, he’s tough and keeps finding. Could outrun his price and sneak into the frame at a price.

---

📈 Market Watching (60+ Day Layoffs)

• King Rasko Grey, Mondoui’boy, Espresso Milan, Eclipse Chaser, and Kevlar have all been off for over two months – market strength or weakness should be closely noted pre-race.
• Eclipse Chaser, notably, was a strong favourite for a Leopardstown bumper before disappointing. Thought capable of more and wouldn’t be a shock improver.

---

📊 Trends & Trainer Notes

• Willie Mullins has won this race previously and boasts a superb bumper record at Punchestown (25% overall, 36% over similar trips).
• Gordon Elliott has multiple entries and a strong record with bumper second-timers.
• Winners of this race often have experience in points or high-profile bumpers – particularly notable in King Rasko Grey, Mondoui’boy, and Riskaway.
• In the last 5 runnings, 4 of the winners had run in the previous 60 days.

---

🏁 Summary

With such a competitive and open field, this race looks primed for a strong finish, and those sitting off the pace could be favoured. King Rasko Grey has the standout form and pedigree credentials, and if ready after his absence, he sets the standard. Riskaway and Mondoui’boy are the main threats, with Soldier In Milan the unknown quantity for a yard renowned for striking with unexposed types.

Each-way punters looking for a bigger price could do worse than Espresso Milan or Catchintsavo, especially if market support is evident late on.