2m3½f | Yielding to Soft | 5 runners

A tight little Grade 3, but not a gimme. Punchestown at this trip rewards sound jumping, tactical speed, and the ability to hold a position turning in. With just five runners, this could turn tactical quickly — and that often favours class over raw enthusiasm.

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Predators Gold (FR)

Sets the standard on numbers and profile. Proven at the course and distance, strong on soft ground, and his RPR ceiling (161) is comfortably the best in the field. He’s already shown he can mix it in Grade 1 company over hurdles and made a winning start over fences. With Townend booked and Mullins targeting this race successfully before, he looks the one they’ll all be trying to beat.

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Pure Steel (IRE)

The improver. Still lightly raced, unbeaten at Punchestown, and his chase form is solid without being flashy. He jumps well, stays the trip, and has already won in January — a small but relevant positive. He’ll need another step forward on figures to beat the favourite, but that’s not out of the question given his profile.

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Jacob’s Ladder (IRE)

Battle-hardened and reliable. Strong record on soft ground, solid chase experience, and tends to show his best in small fields. The concern is that his peak ratings leave him just short of Predators Gold, and he can be vulnerable to a classier turn of foot late on.

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The Enabler (IRE)

Capable on his day and proven at the track, but his best form tends to come either over further or in handicaps. He’s not short of ability, yet this looks a slightly awkward trip against sharper rivals unless the race turns into a stamina test.

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Kappa Jy Pyke (FR)

Interesting but risky. Won on chase debut and clearly has talent, though most of his best work has come at shorter trips. This is a big step up in class, and he’ll need to jump accurately under pressure to stay competitive.

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Verdict

In a race likely decided by class and efficiency, Predators Gold has the strongest overall profile and the right conditions to deliver.
Pure Steel looks the main danger as the progressive type, while Jacob’s Ladder appeals most for consistency and place purposes.