1. Race Conditions & Pace Angle

This is a 17-runner maiden hurdle for horses aged five years and older, run over an extended 2m7f. The ground is officially good to yielding. Timeform flags a strong pace forecast, and their comment notes that “there is unlikely to be any let-up,” which could make this a test of stamina. That scenario should favour strong finishers or those held up off the pace, such as Jazz de Cotte, rather than more prominent racers like Iceteem Flechois, who may find the pressure relentless. No draw bias applies.


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2. Contenders, Dangers & Outsiders

Leading Contenders:

Jazz de Cotte (Gordon Elliott) – [TFR 121p] Improving profile, placed both recent hurdle starts and looked strong through the line at Downpatrick over shorter. The pace and trip both look ideal now. Stays well and benefits from strong tempo. One to beat if handling this third quick run inside a month.

William Butler (Gordon Elliott) – [TFR 117p] Bumper winner and has shaped with promise over hurdles. Last time he was shuffled back at a key stage in a slowly-run race at Tipperary. Step up in trip and pace increase could unlock improvement.

Joli Travail (Willie Mullins) – [TFR 106p] Shaped with promise on hurdles debut after long layoff (27 months). Former French bumper winner. Likely improver, but may be one run short of peak unless market confidence surges late.


Main Dangers:

Sporting Glance (Cian Collins) – [TFR 98p] Former point winner who shaped well when fourth on hurdles debut behind Rockonliam. Could easily come forward again, especially with stamina on side. Tied into same Killarney form line as Joli Travail.

Ludovico Sforza (Jonathan Sweeney) – [TFR unassigned] Won sole point start in April and represents sire Milan, whose progeny often shine first time over hurdles. Lacks hurdles form but pedigree/trainer angle appeals.


Interesting Outsiders:

Stickman (Donncha Duggan) – [TFR 109] Fair bumper form in 2023 and shaped OK on return from long absence at Limerick. Wants further, and should strip fitter now, but needs a leap forward on ratings.

Mister Frostie (Colin McBratney) – [TFR 111] Below best lately but has hinted at ability in maidens and has experience at the trip. Minor place claims if others underperform.


Trainers to Note:

Gordon Elliott won this in 2024 (Topgun Simmy) and runs two live ones here.

W. P. Mullins has a 24% strike rate at Punchestown since 2021–22.


Hold-up Types / Needs Luck in Running:

Jazz de Cotte, William Butler, and Sporting Glance are all likely to be held up to some extent and should benefit from a strong gallop. That also brings luck-in-running risks in this big field.



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3. Runner Ratings (out of 10)

Horse Rating

Jazz de Cotte 9
William Butler 8.5
Joli Travail 8
Sporting Glance 7.5
Ludovico Sforza 7
Stickman 6.5
Mister Frostie 6.5
Jetovango 5.5
Barnwick 4.5
Bob the Builder 4
Coded Welder 4
Iceteem Flechois 4
North Account 3.5
Larkfield Lidaho 3.5
Tinking Man 3.5
Tippawan Haa 3.5
Twelve Tribes 2.5


> Market Watch Advice:
Keep close tabs on Joli Travail, who’s second off a layoff, and Ludovico Sforza, who debuts over hurdles after winning a point. Any market strength could be significant. Watch for drifters among those returning off long absences (e.g., Barnwick – 1165 days). None qualify as in-form sprinters returning quickly.




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4. Each-Way Angles

17 declared runners – each-way terms available.

Sporting Glance (15/2) and Stickman (12/1) appeal as potential place contenders, particularly if the market speaks positively late.

Ludovico Sforza (5/1) is unexposed and may go off shorter.



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5. Private Tissue Estimate

Jazz de Cotte – 11/4

William Butler – 3/1

Joli Travail – 4/1

Sporting Glance – 8/1

Ludovico Sforza – 10/1

Stickman – 12/1

Mister Frostie – 14/1

Jetovango – 25/1

Others – 40/1 to 300/1



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6. Summary

This well-contested maiden hurdle is expected to be strongly run, suiting stayers and late closers. Jazz de Cotte stands out as a progressive hurdler who’s shaped well twice recently and looks ready to strike granted clear running. William Butler also has more to give up in trip, while Joli Travail is a likely improver from the Mullins yard if the market speaks. Among outsiders, Sporting Glance and Ludovico Sforza may offer value at longer prices if the pace collapses late.

> Verdict: Jazz de Cotte is solid, but market confidence in Joli Travail and Sporting Glance should be respected. Likely a Gordon Elliott vs Willie Mullins scrap again.