Punchestown; Analysis of the TimeWise top two ranked+The Spotlights Verdicts+The Race Stats

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This detailed analysis covers all Punchestown races scheduled for 13th November 2025, presented in chronological order, drawing upon the provided TimeWise Master Ratings, form comments, Spotlight Verdicts, and race statistics.


11.55 Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap Chase (3m 70y)

RankHorse (Trainer)TimeWise Master Rating
1Duffys Hodey (IRE) (P Rothwell)N/A
2Small Town Hero (IRE) (I Donoghue)N/A

Recent Form and Comments

  • Duffys Hodey (IRE): He was highly progressive over hurdles last season. He lost out narrowly on return before winning three of his next four starts. He was given a break after finishing 8l second in a 2m7f contest here in February. He went up 31lb in the process, ending on 112. He runs here off a modest 79 on only his second start over fences, the other being when pulled up at Tramore on New Year’s Day 2024.
  • Small Town Hero (IRE): This horse is a point winner who failed to prosper in Britain. Since joining the current stable, he has been a revelation, winning four from four, including three handicap hurdles and a Downpatrick handicap chase over a trip just short of 3m last time. He is up 16lb now but is only five and is considered capable of further progress.

Spotlight Verdict

The preference is for DUFFYS HODEY (nap), who produced sustained improvement after going close on his seasonal debut last year. He is potentially well treated relative to his hurdles form and has prospects of ending the fine sequence established by Small Town Hero, who has gone up 16lb for the initial chase win that followed three hurdle victories.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (Winners-Placed-Runners): 5yo 0-1-2, 6yo 2-1-10, 7yo 1-2-12, 8yo 1-1-11, 9yo 1-2-10, 10yo 0-2-12, 11yo 0-0-4, 12yo 0-1-2, 13yo 0-1-2.
  • Fate of Favourites: 3 winners, 1 placed, 1 unplaced in the observed historical results (31541).
  • Trainer Records (Today’s Runners): P J Rothwell has 2 wins and 0 places from 3 runners historically in this type of race. Ian Donoghue has 1 win and 1 place from 9 runners in the last 14 days, and a lifetime record of 31 wins and 48 places from 328 runs (9% W%, 15% P%).

Assessment of the Top Two

  • Duffys Hodey (IRE):
    • Strengths: Is rated significantly lower (79) than his peak hurdles rating (112), suggesting he is potentially very well handicapped. Comes from a yard (P J Rothwell) with historical success in this race type.
    • Weaknesses: Failed to complete in his only prior chase start (pulled up). Returns after a break.
    • Suitability: Well suited to ending Small Town Hero’s winning run due to his favourable mark.
  • Small Town Hero (IRE):
    • Strengths: Currently in superb winning form (four consecutive wins, including a chase last time). Is only five, suggesting he has further scope for improvement.
    • Weaknesses: Carries a 16lb rise for his initial chase win, making this a tougher test.
    • Suitability: Form is excellent, but the rise in weight makes him vulnerable to a well-handicapped rival.

12.30 Matchbook B2B And Operator Hedging Rated Novice Chase (2m 136y)

RankHorse (Trainer)TimeWise Master Rating
1Dont Tell Jack (IRE) (E Bolger)N/A
2Luminous Light (A McCann)N/A

Recent Form and Comments

  • Dont Tell Jack (IRE): Ex-Joseph O’Brien. His best run over hurdles was a 15l third to Ethical Diamond at this venue. He has now joined Enda Bolger and is fitted with a hood. He is making his chasing debut.
  • Luminous Light: This horse is a Flat and dual hurdle winner. He opened his account over fences at Clonmel in February and was a solid second in a Tramore novice last time. He has a fair chance in this grade, despite carrying a penalty.

Spotlight Verdict

It may be worth taking a chance with CORAL RIVER who ran well in a competitive hurdle race here at last season’s festival. He has had a change of scene since his last run, and that also applies to Dont Tell Jack, whose hurdles form ties in with Del Mar sensation Ethical Diamond. Previously best on good ground, Leave It Secret handled soft on his penultimate outing.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (Winners-Placed-Runners): 4yo 0-0-1, 5yo 1-1-7, 6yo 0-3-6, 7yo 1-0-2, 8yo 0-0-1, 9yo 0-0-1.
  • Fate of Favourites: 1 winner, 2 unplaced in the observed historical results (12).
  • Trainer Records (Today’s Runners): Anthony McCann has 0 wins and 1 place from 6 runs in the last 14 days, and a lifetime record of 22 wins and 48 places from 320 runs (7% W%, 15% P%). E Bolger has 0 wins and 0 places from 6 runs in the last 14 days, and a lifetime record of 17 wins and 31 places from 163 runs (10% W%, 19% P%).

Assessment of the Top Two

  • Dont Tell Jack (IRE):
    • Strengths: Hurdles form suggests ability (third to Ethical Diamond). Stable change (E Bolger) and addition of a hood indicate intent for chasing debut.
    • Weaknesses: Hurdles rating (119) may be flattering. New discipline.
    • Suitability: Interesting candidate whose potential is tied to his highly rated hurdles performance.
  • Luminous Light:
    • Strengths: Experienced over fences with a recent win and solid placing. Consistent performer (Flat and hurdles winner).
    • Weaknesses: Carries a penalty.
    • Suitability: A sound choice due to his proven chase ability in this grade.

1.00 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Academy Hurdle (2m 2f 132y)

RankHorse (Trainer)TimeWise Master Rating
1Infinity Succes (FR) (D Queally)N/A
2Rare Times (IRE) (Ms M Mullins)N/A

Recent Form and Comments

  • Infinity Succes (FR): She is a half-sister to five winners. She was beaten 15l in sixth when favourite for a similar race at Cork last month. She is now blinkered and may be capable of featuring with that run under her belt.
  • Rare Times (IRE): She ran well on debut at Cork last month, finishing one place in front of Infinity Succes. She disputed the lead three out before weakening late on. Improvement is expected.

Spotlight Verdict

Plenty of guesswork is involved here but HIGHLAND CRYSTAL could be the answer. Her dam is a half-sister to Envoi Allen and she might be good enough on her debut. Next in line is Joseph O’Brien’s Ritz Plan who boasts a beautiful pedigree, while a market check is advised for the Magnier-owned Ann Bulkley.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups: All runners are 3yo fillies.
  • Fate of Favourites: Not applicable (Maiden race history not provided in age bracket).
  • Trainer Records (Today’s Runners): Declan Queally has 2 wins and 2 places from 14 runs in the last 2 years (14% W%, 14% P%). Ms Margaret Mullins has a lifetime record of 8 wins and 21 places from 154 runs (5% W%, 14% P%).

Assessment of the Top Two

  • Infinity Succes (FR):
    • Strengths: Has experience of this race type (ran at Cork last month). The addition of blinkers may prompt improvement.
    • Weaknesses: Disappointing favourite when beaten 15l on debut.
    • Suitability: Relies on improved performance from her debut run.
  • Rare Times (IRE):
    • Strengths: Finished ahead of Infinity Succes on debut. Expected to improve after her first run.
    • Weaknesses: Weakened late in her debut race.
    • Suitability: A solid candidate for placement, with improvement anticipated.

1.35 Matchbook Betting Podcast 3-Y-O Hurdle (1m 7f 187y)

RankHorse (Trainer)TimeWise Master Rating
1In My Teens (IRE) (G Cromwell)N/A
2In The Minus (IRE) (B Cawley)N/A

Recent Form and Comments

  • In My Teens (IRE): She has a Flat rating of 98. She recently won a Down Royal Flat maiden in fine style in June, followed by being runner-up twice in subsequent Flat races. She is high on the shortlist for her hurdles debut.
  • In The Minus (IRE): Rated only 59 on the Flat. He got off the mark over hurdles at the fourth attempt in a Galway maiden (16.5f, yielding) last month.

Spotlight Verdict

The 98-rated Flat performer In My Teens is of obvious interest on her hurdles debut but Gordon Eliott’s MODE AVION is reportedly schooling well at home and the French AQPS Flat winner could be tough to beat on his Irish debut. Next in line is Sopelana who should improve on recent efforts with her preferred testing conditions forecast.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (Winners-Placed-Runners): 3yo 1-2-8.
  • Fate of Favourites: Not available.
  • Trainer Records (Today’s Runners): Gavin Patrick Cromwell has 1 win and 4 places from 46 runs in the last 14 days, and a lifetime record of 239 wins and 421 places from 2054 runs (12% W%, 20% P%). Brian Francis Cawley has a lifetime record of 3 wins and 1 place from 15 runs (20% W%, 7% P%).

Assessment of the Top Two

  • In My Teens (IRE):
    • Strengths: High Flat rating (98) suggests significant class. Stable (G Cromwell) is active and achieving decent placing figures recently.
    • Weaknesses: Hurdles debut (unknown quantity over jumps).
    • Suitability: A top contender based purely on Flat ability and potential over hurdles.
  • In The Minus (IRE):
    • Strengths: Has a recent hurdle win (Galway).
    • Weaknesses: Carries a penalty in a deeper race. Limited Flat ability (rated 59). Prefers better ground.
    • Suitability: Faces a stiff task against high-class bumper/Flat performers.

2.10 Matchbook Supporting Irish Racing Maiden Hurdle (1m 7f 187y)

RankHorse (Trainer)TimeWise Master Rating
1Colcannon (IRE) (N Meade)N/A
2Koktail Brut (FR) (G Elliott)N/A

Recent Form and Comments

  • Colcannon (IRE): Showed impressive success in a Galway bumper last October. He won the Grade 2 bumper at the Dublin Racing Festival in February. He was third in a Grade 1 bumper at the Punchestown festival in April. He returns after a break.
  • Koktail Brut (FR): A point winner. He won a 7l bumper at Fairyhouse and was a close-up fourth behind Colcannon in the Grade 2 bumper at the Dublin Racing Festival. He confirmed a good standard of form with a third placing at Aintree.

Spotlight Verdict

No shortage of runners but it will be no surprise if it boils down to a match. COLCANNON, third in the Grade 1 bumper at this venue, is tipped to confirm Grade 2 Leopardstown form with Koktail Brut. Those to watch for future reference include stablemates Splendid Fellow, Centreofattention, Can Happen and Fedneys Park.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (Winners-Placed-Runners): 4yo 3-2-88, 5yo 5-13-68, 6yo 1-3-20, 7yo 0-0-7, 8yo 0-0-3.
  • Fate of Favourites: 7 winners, 1 placed, 1 unplaced in the observed historical results (210213111).
  • Trainer Records (Today’s Runners): Noel Meade has 1 win and 3 places from 13 runs in the last 14 days, and a lifetime record of 73 wins and 153 places from 771 runs (9% W%, 20% P%). Gordon Elliott has 11 wins and 13 places from 56 runs in the last 14 days, and a lifetime record of 375 wins and 573 places from 2815 runs (13% W%, 20% P%).

Assessment of the Top Two

  • Colcannon (IRE):
    • Strengths: Elite bumper form (Grade 2 winner, Grade 1 placed). Tipped to confirm superiority over his main rival. Expected to make a winning debut over hurdles.
    • Weaknesses: Returning from a break (197 days).
    • Suitability: Strongest candidate based on proven ability at a high level.
  • Koktail Brut (FR):
    • Strengths: Very high standard of bumper form (Grade 2 close-up fourth, Aintree third). Representing the highly successful G Elliott yard.
    • Weaknesses: Was defeated by Colcannon previously in the Grade 2 DRF bumper.
    • Suitability: Likely to chase home Colcannon.

2.45 Thank You David Betts Photography Handicap Hurdle (1m 7f 187y)

RankHorse (Trainer)TimeWise Master Rating
1Dont Go Yet (IRE) (E Cawley)N/A
2Powerful (IRE) (Mrs J Harrington)N/A

Recent Form and Comments

  • Dont Go Yet (IRE): He is a two-time chase winner (both on soft). He has a hurdles record of 0-14. He was last seen finishing second of 23 in a Listed handicap chase at Punchestown in May. He runs off a 19lb lower mark back over hurdles.
  • Powerful (IRE): He is a well-bred Camelot gelding. Veterinary explanations were noted by stewards after a narrow defeat at Kilbeggan in April. He was third in a 2m Navan maiden in September.

Spotlight Verdict

A few here with ground concerns but no such worries for MARELLY, who thrives in the mud and can finally get back to the winner’s circle. The unknown quantity is Powerful, who is of interest on his handicap bow, while Dont Go Yet is the one to beat judged on his Listed handicap chase second when last seen but is yet to win over hurdles.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (Winners-Placed-Runners): 4yo 0-1-3, 5yo 0-1-5, 6yo 1-1-7, 7yo 1-2-8, 8yo 0-0-2, 9yo 0-0-1, 10yo 0-0-2.
  • Fate of Favourites: 3 unplaced, 0 winners in the observed historical results (30).
  • Trainer Records (Today’s Runners): Edward Cawley has a lifetime record of 8 wins and 21 places from 145 runs (6% W%, 14% P%). Mrs John Harrington has 0 wins and 2 places from 8 runs in the last 14 days, and a lifetime record of 123 wins and 237 places from 1260 runs (10% W%, 19% P%).

Assessment of the Top Two

  • Dont Go Yet (IRE):
    • Strengths: Running off a significant mark reduction (19lb lower) compared to his Listed chase performance. His chase wins were on soft ground.
    • Weaknesses: Has a poor hurdles strike-rate (0-14).
    • Suitability: The significant advantage in the weights makes him a major player, despite being a hurdles maiden.
  • Powerful (IRE):
    • Strengths: Excellent pedigree (half-brother to Derby winner Motivator). Expected to improve now handicapping.
    • Weaknesses: Previous veterinary issues noted. Handicap debut is always an unknown.
    • Suitability: An interesting prospect on his first handicap start.

3.18 Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle (2m 4f 164y)

RankHorse (Trainer)TimeWise Master Rating
1Vitorio Piel (FR) (E Mullins)N/A
2Yeshil (IRE) (H De Bromhead)N/A

Recent Form and Comments

  • Vitorio Piel (FR): Looked smart when winning a 20-runner bumper at the festival meeting here on debut. On his hurdling debut here last month, he made the running but weakened rapidly before the last, for which an excuse emerged: an injury to his right-hind heel.
  • Yeshil (IRE): He was second in the 25-runner Goffs Defender Bumper at the 2024 festival here. He subsequently ran only once over hurdles, finishing eighth in a 23-runner Leopardstown maiden. He was transferred from Stuart Crawford to Henry de Bromhead last season.

Spotlight Verdict

A stylish debut bumper winner at the festival here in May, VITORIO PIEL had an excuse for his eclipse on hurdling debut at the venue. He can make amends at the expense of Yeshil who ran only once over hurdles last season after a highly promising bumper run here at the 2024 festival.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (Winners-Placed-Runners): 4yo 2-4-21, 5yo 2-7-30, 6yo 3-1-15, 7yo 0-0-3.
  • Fate of Favourites: 5 winners, 2 placed, 0 unplaced (2124412).
  • Trainer Records (Today’s Runners): Emmet Mullins has 0 wins and 3 places from 9 runs in the last 14 days, and a lifetime record of 48 wins and 81 places from 400 runs (12% W%, 20% P%). Henry De Bromhead has 10 wins and 10 places from 46 runs in the last 14 days, and a lifetime record of 237 wins and 348 places from 1557 runs (15% W%, 22% P%).

Assessment of the Top Two

  • Vitorio Piel (FR):
    • Strengths: High-class bumper winner at this course. Has a legitimate excuse (injury) for his poor hurdling debut. Tipped to win.
    • Weaknesses: Must prove he handles the obstacles after his disappointing initial hurdling effort.
    • Suitability: Highly suitable if fully recovered from injury, given his exceptional bumper form.
  • Yeshil (IRE):
    • Strengths: Excellent bumper form (runner-up at the festival). Now trained by Henry De Bromhead.
    • Weaknesses: Disappointing sole hurdles run.
    • Suitability: Expected to be the main danger to the top selection.

3.48 Matchbook Best Odds On Horse Racing Handicap Hurdle (2m 4f 164y)

RankHorse (Trainer)TimeWise Master Rating
1My Good Pal (IRE) (G Cromwell)N/A
2Without Exception (IRE) (P Rothwell)N/A

Recent Form and Comments

  • My Good Pal (IRE): He won a 2m4f Wexford handicap hurdle in August off 82. Two poor efforts over fences followed, then a remote sixth hurdling at Listowel. He was back to form when third of 20 here last month. His best form is generally on decent ground.
  • Without Exception (IRE): He rounded off last season with a course handicap win (2m4f, heavy) in February off 78. He had a fine return effort when runner-up at Fairyhouse nine days ago from 6lb higher, with the front pair pulling nicely clear. He is up another 3lb.

Spotlight Verdict

A very competitive handicap to round off proceedings. Without Exception should improve again for his recent runner-up finish at Fairyhouse after a break, but SPANISH JOHN (nap) is running off a lenient mark back over hurdles and will handle underfoot conditions.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (Winners-Placed-Runners): 4yo 0-3-6, 5yo 0-2-17, 6yo 3-5-35, 7yo 0-0-8, 8yo 1-3-18, 9yo 1-1-4, 10yo 0-0-3, 11yo 0-0-1, 12yo 0-1-1, 13yo 0-0-1.
  • Fate of Favourites: 1 winner, 4 unplaced in the observed historical results (44214).
  • Trainer Records (Today’s Runners): P J Rothwell has 2 wins and 0 places from 3 runners historically in this type of race. Gavin Patrick Cromwell has 0 wins and 1 place from 2 runners historically in this type of race.

Assessment of the Top Two

  • My Good Pal (IRE):
    • Strengths: Recent third here shows a return to form. Stable (G Cromwell) is generally successful.
    • Weaknesses: His best form is typically on decent ground, which may be a concern given the forecast soft/heavy conditions.
    • Suitability: Competitive if the ground is not too testing.
  • Without Exception (IRE):
    • Strengths: Proven ability to handle heavy ground (won here in February). Showed great form recently, running second and pulling clear. Expected to improve again.
    • Weaknesses: Carries 9lb more than his winning mark from last season.
    • Suitability: A strong candidate, especially suited by testing ground conditions. (Note: Spotlight Verdict supports Spanish John, not Without Exception, for the win, despite noting Without Exception’s improvement).

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