Punchestown Sunday Preview - 13/01/2019

No bet from us in the first, so our first selection comes in the Grade 3 Total Event Rental Novices Chase, and at the foot of the weights lies a rare Cheveley Park runner for Henry De Bromhead named, A Plus Tard.

This 5yo has had two starts for De Bromhead since transferring from France, finishing second on his debut at Gowran Park.

He went one better at Naas before Christmas in a Beginners Chase, beating odds-on favourite Duc Des Genievres on what was his first start over fences, and the form looks solid against one of the top novice hurdlers from last season.

Every chance.

John Joseph Hanlon's Peacocks Secret ran out of luck at Clonmel a month ago, when falling from the front end halfway round, and will look to put it right in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase.

Prior to that, he won his last two over the larger obstacles, after making all at both Naas and Wexford.

Up 6lb as a result, and expect a strong pace set by this experienced 7yo, as he will try to win it from the front end once more.

Next up is the Punchestown Amateur National Handicap Chase, in which Whisperinthebreeze can break his duck over fences in what will be his fifth attempt.

Jessie Harrington's grey gelding has gone close however, and strung together three creditable efforts from four - including finishing second to the smart-looking Gun Digger from Gordon Elliott's yard over Christmas at the Leopardstown Festival.

Top claimer aboard, and should be there or there abouts.

Willie Mullins has two representatives in the feature race - the Moscow Flyer Novices Hurdle, and one of those - Buildmeupbuttercup, is the selection for us.

Buildmeupbuttercup was a smart winner on the flat in her days with Mick Channon, and made a winning hurdling debut for Mullins in a maiden hurdle at Navan last month.

She is also the only mare in the field and receives 7lb as a result.

Ruby opts for Harrie, but Paul Townend is top tradesman of his game.

The 3:20 is a maiden - the Sportinglife.com Maiden Hurdle, and Active Force has some quite smart form in bumpers to bring to the table here.

He was a winner at Limerick latest, and looks favourable to make his mark over timber here.

Sean Flanagan rides for his regular Noel Meade, in the colours of Gigginstown.

The day closes with the Leinster Leader Mares Handicap Hurdle and Stucker Hill can complete hopefully, what will be a fine day for us.

She is a progressive mare, currently in search of the hat-trick, but will need to handle an 18lb rise from her initial mark.

Not without the one for trying, but in top form at the moment, and will be hard for her opposition to stop her in her tracks.