2m 35y | €7,080 | 16 runners

This is a typical Punchestown juvenile/4yo maiden: plenty of Flat recruits, a few with French hurdle form, and a lot of learning going on. It’s rarely about polish here — it’s about who brings the strongest raw engine and adapts quickest.

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Race Shape

Likely to be steadily run early, then turn into a stamina-and-balance test from three out. Punchestown’s hurdles come quick late on and anything that doesn’t jump cleanly will be found out fast. Expect the winner to come from mid-division or just off the pace, not stone last.

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Leading Players

Madness d’Elle (W P Mullins)
The standout on pure hurdles form. His Auteuil third on very soft reads well — travelled, jumped, and briefly led before being outstayed by classy types. That level of form usually wins an Irish maiden like this. If he handles Punchestown (not guaranteed first time), he’s the one they all have to beat.

Mino Des Mottes (W P Mullins)
More of a slow-burner, but his Punchestown run on New Year’s Eve was encouraging. He weakened late but rallied again, which suggests fitness rather than ability was the issue. French NHF winner, so there’s depth there. Big chance of stepping forward second time.

Deep Water Bay (Gordon Elliott)
Interesting dual-purpose type. Strong Flat form over staying trips and shaped nicely at Leopardstown, keeping on without threatening. That run screamed “one for a proper gallop” and he’ll stay further than this. If they go quicker than expected, he’s dangerous late.

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Solid but Limited

Kizlyar
Consistent without winning. Travels well, jumps OK, but lacks a gear. Likely to be running on again for a place rather than winning unless others disappoint.

Berto Ramirez
Did nothing wrong at Fairyhouse, but didn’t quicken either. Looks more like a future handicap hurdler than a maiden winner at this stage.

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Opposables / Need More

• Direct Approach – poor jumping last time, well beaten
• Ray Gun / Royal Belief / Stone Rulya – Flat form hasn’t transferred
• Concert Party / Simple Things – keen, limited, or already exposed

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Verdict

This looks set up for class over experience.

Madness d’Elle brings the best hurdles form and should be winning if handling the track.
Mino Des Mottes is the main danger with expected improvement.
Deep Water Bay is the one you want passing tired horses late.