The amateur riders’ staying chase closes the Punchestown card and looks a typically open affair, with several familiar names and a few younger chasers still finding their level. On good ground around this sharp track, rhythm and positioning often count for more than raw stamina.

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Race Setup

There is no obvious tearaway, but the early lead could fall to Hit The Frame or Ardaghs Choice, both of whom like to be handy without overdoing it. Battle Of Mirbat and He Fitz In should be well placed in behind, with the remainder settling mid-division or deeper. Punchestown’s final fence comes early in the straight, so a long run-in gives hold-up types one last chance, though track position remains key.

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Leading Contenders

He Fitz In (trainer: J. G. Carr, jockey: S. Fitzgerald)
Arrives in form after a solid third at Sligo and looks well suited to this trip and surface. A sound jumper who travels kindly, he’s been threatening to win one of these handicaps for a while. Lightly weighted here and partnered by an experienced amateur, he looks primed to strike.

Hit The Frame (M. Griffin / M. P. Roche)
Blinkers have helped him rediscover his spark, winning at Wexford and finishing second at Roscommon before a fair fourth at Killarney. Stays the trip, enjoys good ground, and should be in the firing line if he maintains his rhythm over the last mile.

Battle Of Mirbat (M. O’Donovan / J. Gleeson)
The class act of the field and a consistent performer in higher-grade handicaps. Carries plenty of weight but brings reliable form and a strong staying profile. A clear round would see him feature prominently, though conceding weight to in-form rivals is never easy.

Ardaghs Choice (E. Doyle / A. Dunne)
Well treated on past form but not straightforward. Can travel strongly when in the mood and is best when allowed to roll along near the lead. The good ground is fine, and if the rider gets him relaxed early, he could stick around for a place.

Aurea Fortuna (P. Murphy / T. Finn)
Improved over hurdles this summer and now reverts to fences from a workable mark. Stays well, acts on decent ground, and has a touch of finishing speed. If his jumping holds up, he could pick off a few late.

Smallcraftwarning (N. Madden / P. McNamara)
Been running well in lower-grade handicaps and likely to give his usual honest effort. Handles good ground and stays all day, but may just find a few better treated at the weights.

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Tactical View

A steady-to-even gallop should develop, which will reward those able to hold a position in the first half of the field. Clean jumping and energy management over the final half-mile are crucial here, as the Punchestown run-in can feel very long for tired horses. Expect a grinder’s race rather than a sprint finish.

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Verdict

He Fitz In looks ideally placed to take advantage of his current mark and recent consistency. His proven stamina and reliable jumping make him the one to beat. Hit The Frame is the main danger with blinkers keeping him sharp, while Battle Of Mirbat brings the class to fill out the places despite his weight burden.

Selection: He Fitz In
Next Best: Hit The Frame
Each-Way Value: Battle Of Mirbat

Private Tissue (100% book):
He Fitz In 9/2
Hit The Frame 6/1
Battle Of Mirbat 13/2
Aurea Fortuna 8/1
Ardaghs Choice 10/1
Smallcraftwarning 12/1
The Dabbler 14/1
Iamagetaway 16/1
Others 20/1+

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A wide-open amateur chase in which fitness and fluency will count for plenty. He Fitz In has the balance of form, weight, and rider experience to finally get his reward.