The feature hunter chase on day four of the Punchestown Festival brings together a field of 14 experienced pointers and hunter chasers for the Event Power Champion Hunters Chase. Run over 3m160y on yielding ground, this race often favours those with proven stamina and the ability to race handily—especially in a contest not expected to be run at a particularly strong gallop.

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🏆 Strongest Contender

ITS ON THE LINE (TFR 142)
Trained by Emmet Mullins, this 8-year-old is seeking a hat-trick of wins in this race and arrives in top form, having run a gallant second in the Festival Challenge Cup at Cheltenham for the second year running. He was momentarily in front turning for home there and kept on gamely, confirming himself as one of the top hunter chasers in training. Timeform note that he usually races prominently, which is a big plus given the Even pace forecast. He’s shown he stays further, handles yielding to heavy ground, and thrives in the spring. Mullins has trained two winners of this race in the past three renewals, and rider Mr D. O’Connor has steered him to success in both.

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⚠️ Main Dangers

WILLITGOAHEAD (TFR 138p)
Gordon Elliott’s charge is still unexposed under hunter rules but ran a blinder when third in the Cheltenham Festival Challenge Cup behind Wonderwall and Its On The Line. That was a career-best effort and marked him as a serious player at this level. He may have found the Aintree Foxhunters coming a bit soon when well held there. Back with a short break, he looks the most likely to capitalise if the favourite underperforms.

BIG INTEREST (TFR 136)
Represents the David Christie yard, which has a 21% strike rate with chasers between 2m4f–3m and has fielded some classy hunter types over the years. This 6-year-old is progressing steadily and had both Hollow Games and Its On The Line behind when bolting up at Fairyhouse last time. He made all that day and could be a threat if able to dominate again, though he’ll face far more pressure up front in this deeper field.

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👁️ Interesting Outsiders (Each-Way Angles)

VIROFLAY (TFR 136)
An impressive wide-margin winner at Kempton last time, and has won 6 of 8 starts in points. Raced with zest when making all there and looks a naturally fast jumper. However, that Kempton race cut up badly and was run at a modest gallop, which may not be repeated here. Has been ridden by his trainer Miss Olive Nicholls, and while he’s clearly talented, this is his first visit to Punchestown, and the strength of his recent form is open to interpretation.

HOLLOW GAMES (TFR 131)
Formerly a Grade 1 novice hurdler and now with hunter experience under his belt. He was second to Big Interest at Fairyhouse but finished tired and has tended to find little off the bridle. Still, with his back class, he’s worth watching for market support, especially as he’s had a breathing operation and connections persist.

CARNFUNNOCK (TFR 127)
Sixth in the Festival Challenge Cup behind Wonderwall, beaten just under 15 lengths at 100/1. That was a fair run given the quality of the opposition and he might represent each-way value for those looking for a double-digit chance. Trained by Stuart Crawford, who has campaigned his hunter types shrewdly.

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🔍 Trainer Trends & Watch Points

• Emmet Mullins has won the last two renewals with Its On The Line, who again heads his team here.
• David Christie also has strong credentials in this sphere and saddles both Big Interest and Ramillies.
• Horses returning off 60+ days without a prep run include:
  • CIEL DE NEIGE, FRANCOIS, RAMILLIES, MACGILONEY – All best watched in the betting for signs of intent or big drifts.
• Timeform’s pace map and forecast suggest a front-runner bias, with those racing prominently usually rewarded in this contest.

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📌 Verdict

Its On The Line stands out on form, ratings, and race suitability. With the pace setup in his favour and a proven record in this race, he sets the standard. Willitgoahead looks the most credible danger if bouncing back, while Big Interest is improving fast but now faces tougher tactical questions. Viroflay and Carnfunnock could offer some each-way value in a deep race.