A fiercely competitive renewal of this valuable Listed handicap hurdle, run over 2m4f118y at Punchestown, where a strong pace is forecast and 19 runners are set to go to post. The large field, confirmed front-runners, and the relatively sound surface (yielding) combine to favour those who settle off the speed and travel well. Several familiar names line up from recent major spring handicaps, including the Coral Cup, Martin Pipe and Pertemps Final, and there’s a notably strong representation from Ireland’s top yards, particularly Gavin Cromwell and Willie Mullins.

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Leading Contenders

THECOMPANYSERGEANT (Timeform Adjusted Rating: 166)
A major player based on his excellent second in the Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, where he travelled strongly and was only run down late by a progressive rival. He returns to hurdles off a 7lb lower mark, which makes him a dangerous proposition back in this sphere. The strong pace will suit, and Gavin Cromwell is having another fine spring campaign. He stays further, goes well on soft-to-yielding ground, and is Timeform’s top-rated runner. Stone-Walsh takes off 3lb. Looks well placed to strike.

IMPOSE TOI (FR) (Adjusted Rating: 163)
A solid and consistent handicapper for Nicky Henderson, he has performed admirably in both the Coral Cup (2nd) and at Aintree (4th) where the race wasn’t ideally run to suit. Connections fit a tongue tie for the first time here. His ability to travel strongly and handle testing conditions makes him a solid danger if things fall right tactically. Should be suited by this setup, though he will need to avoid getting shuffled back early. Monitor market late – he’s had a busy season.

ADDRAGOOLE (Adjusted Rating: 162)
One of two for Gavin Cromwell, he shaped with real promise when third in a deep Martin Pipe at Cheltenham. Lightly raced and still improving, he moves up in trip today and has posted good closing sectionals in recent starts. A strong-travelling type who should be very well suited by the pace setup. Remains on a fair mark and looks the stable’s second string only on jockey bookings.

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Main Dangers

RAGLAN ROAD (Adjusted Rating: 161)
Another Cheltenham Festival eyecatcher, having stayed on well into third in the Martin Pipe. Lightly raced, unexposed at this trip, and well backed that day. The going and pace setup should suit. Market confidence would be a positive given he’s had a 50-day break, and the fact that JP McManus and Henry de Bromhead are still searching for late-season success could sharpen interest.

JALILA MORIVIERE (FR) (Adjusted Rating: 158p)
A potential improver from Willie Mullins. She was a comfortable winner of a small-field mares’ event at Limerick on her latest start and makes her handicap debut here. The “p” on her Timeform rating indicates more to come, and the switch to a big field handicap is a typical Mullins move. That said, she’s been off 41 days, so market support will be significant. Mullins has won this race three times since 2019, and her profile fits the sort he excels with in this.

WELLINGTON ARCH (Adjusted Rating: 158)
Arrives off a career-best win at Aintree in a competitive handicap and was previously a progressive novice. His overall profile suggests there could be a bit more to come over this trip, and he often travels strongly. The market should help assess his chances after a 29-day break.

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Interesting Outsiders

D ART D ART (FR) (Adjusted Rating: 161)
A likeable hold-up performer who’s consistent in big handicaps, including a solid eighth in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham. He’s likely to be dropped out early again, and with a strong gallop expected, he could pass many in the straight. He often trades much bigger in-running than his SP, and although a win may be tough, he has genuine each-way claims at a double-figure price.

KALIX DELABARRIERE (FR) (Adjusted Rating: 155+)
Caught the eye a few times this term and could easily step forward again for Rachael Blackmore. He was well backed last time but didn’t fire. Returning to a bigger field over hurdles might suit, and he’s still on an upward curve. If there’s money late, take note.

HEY SUNSHINE (IRE) (Adjusted Rating: 159)
One of four for Willie Mullins, she was disappointing in a Grade 1 mares’ final last time but was progressive prior to that. This is more her level, and she’s been kept on the go during the spring campaign. Paul Townend is booked, which is always a positive in these contests, and the pace might help her settle better than she did at Fairyhouse.

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Trends & Notes

• Willie Mullins has won 3 of the last 6 renewals, including with horses like Koshari and Mr Adjudicator who were similarly unexposed over the trip.
• Horses that ran well in big-field Cheltenham handicaps (Martin Pipe, Coral Cup, Pertemps) have fared well in this race historically.
• Horses returning from 60+ days off (e.g. Jalila Moriviere, Kalix Delabarriere, Wellington Arch) should be watched closely in the market for signs of intent.

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Summary

A typically wide-open Punchestown handicap, but THECOMPANYSERGEANT stands out with the clearest profile, well treated back over hurdles and likely to relish the pace scenario. IMPOSE TOI, ADDRAGOOLE, and RAGLAN ROAD are solid dangers with form in key trials, while JALILA MORIVIERE could improve markedly for the Mullins team if the market speaks. At a price, D ART D ART offers some sneaky each-way value in a race likely to collapse late.