© Photo Healy Racing
All eyes will be on Dancing City at Punchestown on Tuesday as the smart, three-time Grade 1 winner makes his chase debut at 12.20. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding is odds-on to land the spoils so we have looked elsewhere on the card and highlighted three to follow at bigger prices.
2m 3f Maiden Hurdle
Alan Magee - JAMES’S GATE was a smart sort in bumpers winning easily at this venue and placed behind Facile Vega in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. The Shantou gelding has obviously had some training problems but also showed promise over hurdles last season and is preferred to Leopardstown bumper winner Joystick. Forty Coats won a Naas bumper in good style and made a bright start over hurdles when beating all bar the odds-on Wingmen at Navan last month with Syracus Du Houx over 20 lengths behind in fifth while McLaurey, Ballysax Hank and Supreme Ruler are others to note in a strong maiden. (9-1 with William Hill)
2m Maiden Hurdle
John O'Riordan - Clearly not himself when disappointing on his final start last season, PORT JOULAIN is afforded another chance. A point-to-point and bumper winner on his first two career runs, the Willie Mullins-trained gelding was tailed off when well fancied at the festival here in May. Given plenty of time to recover from whatever was troubling him, the five-year-old should take the beating. Stablemate You Oughta Know has his sights lowered here having found life tough in Grade 1 company towards the end of last season. The six-year-old should be capable of better on his first start over flights. Tipperary runner-up French Hill sets the standard amongst those with previous jumping experience. (7-4 with William Hill)
2m 7f Maiden Hurdle
John O'Riordan - With the aid of her riders valuable 7lb claim, the consistent MILANAWAY can register a first success. Placed on her latest three starts, the six-year-old was denied by the narrowest of margins last time. Despite being raised 3lb as a result, the Denis Hogan-trained mare can race off a lower mark taking the claim into account. A dual winner over hurdles, He Fitz In is still well treated relative to his chasing mark. The Davy Fitzgerald-trained gelding has to hold leading claims with Danny Mullins a significant booking. A lightly raced five-year-old, Aurea Fortuna is also worthy of consideration for the in-form Tony Martin yard. Any market support would be of definite interest. (9-2 with William Hill)
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