The mid-afternoon feature at Punchestown brings together a mix of in-form handicappers and returning chasers reverting to hurdles. The ground is officially good, which should produce an honest pace and fair conditions across the board.

---

Race Setup

With several who prefer to be handy, the tempo looks genuine. Captain Ryan Matt and My Gaffer are likely to press on early, with Serienmond and Avalo tracking close behind. Ballycashin and Nine Graces will look to creep into it late, while Golden Temple may again be ridden patiently. A well-run race should suit those proven at this trip.

---

Key Contenders

Serienmond (G. Cromwell / K. Donoghue)
Rated 117, this five-year-old has been progressive since fitted with a hood and switching between hurdles and fences. His Leopardstown and Fairyhouse form reads well, and the stable remains in good order. His win over fences last time showed he handles good ground, and a return to hurdles off a fair mark makes him the one to beat.

Captain Ryan Matt (H. De Bromhead / D. O’Keeffe)
Lightly raced and open to further improvement. Comfortable Tramore winner on good ground and not disgraced since. The yard’s runners have been holding their form well into autumn, and his proven tactical speed should keep him out of trouble. Genuine place claims.

My Gaffer (J.P. Ryan / D. Mullins)
Has mixed chasing and hurdling this season but shaped as though still in form at Killarney and Tipperary. His best figures come at this trip on good to yielding ground, and he tends to find more for pressure. Carries top weight but remains well-handicapped on his Ballinrobe and Kilbeggan efforts.

Nine Graces (B. Connell / Mr F. Maguire)
The class mare in the field with a chase rating of 125. She’s back over hurdles after a productive campaign last season and goes well fresh. The main query is fitness after 216 days off, but if ready, she’s a major player on peak figures.

Avalo (P. Fahey / S. Ewing)
Reliable type who keeps finding the frame in similar handicaps. Often hits the line well but struggles to get his head in front. Another solid effort likely, though more minor money seems his best chance again.

Ballycashin (A. Mullins / A. McGuinness)
Consistent mare with strong placed form in similar company. Her close third at Listowel last time showed she retains plenty of enthusiasm. Reliable but perhaps vulnerable to a younger improver at the weights.

---

Tactical View

Expect a strong pace from Captain Ryan Matt and My Gaffer, with Serienmond well positioned to pounce turning for home. A clean round of jumping will be crucial, as several have minor quirks. Stamina shouldn’t be an issue for any of the principals, but the sharper track may favour those racing handier.

---

Ratings Snapshot

Horse	OR	Last 3 RPRs	Best RPR	Timeform Adj	Fitness	Trip Fit	Ground Fit
Serienmond	117	131–128–119	131	+2	✔	✔	✔
Captain Ryan Matt	117	131–129–125	131	+1	✔	✔	✔
My Gaffer	117	131–128–120	132	+1	✔	✔	✔
Nine Graces	125	133–128–122	133	-2	?	✔	✔
Avalo	110	130–128–114	131	0	✔	✔	✔
Ballycashin	112	129–124–123	129	0	✔	✔	✔

---

Verdict

Serienmond is the one with a clear upward curve, a fluent jumper who acts on this ground and still looks ahead of his mark. Captain Ryan Matt is the unexposed alternative with scope for improvement at the trip, while My Gaffer rates the best of the rest if the race turns tactical.

Selection: Serienmond
Next Best: Captain Ryan Matt
Each-Way Value: Nine Graces (if 10/1+)

Private Tissue:
Serienmond 4/1
Captain Ryan Matt 6/1
My Gaffer 7/1
Nine Graces 9/1
Ballycashin 12/1
Avalo 12/1
Others 16/1+