* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
The third day of the Punchestown Festival is upon us, with the Champion Stayers Hurdle taking centre stage on an eight-race schedule.
Flooring Porter is hoping to build on his Cheltenham success, while jockey Jonathan Moore will be desperate to win after missing the Festival victory through injury.
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Willie Mullins’ Energumene, who was last seen at Leopardstown in February, is also back in action in the Novice Chase at 18:35.
Top pundit Ruby Walsh and Paddy Power assessed the Punchestown card on the latest edition of Paddy Power’s From the Horses Mouth podcast, focusing on this week’s showcase Festival that brings the curtain down on the Irish jumps season.
15:40 – Charcor
This is only Charcor‘s fourth run over hurdles but his best flat form was on goodish ground and Danny Mullins is an eye-catching booking.
16:15 – Raya Time
The in-form Rachael Blackmore seems to have chosen Raya Time from a few Henry De Bromhead entries. Although he hasn’t won over fences yet, he ran pretty well at Fairyhouse earlier this month.
16:50 – Stand Up And Fight
Stand Up And Fight was only beaten a neck by Solomon Grundy at Fairyhouse and with Derek O’Connor and Enda Bolger teaming up, he should be hard to beat.
17:25 – Ronald Pump
I feel a bit guilty going against Flooring Porter as he’s is one of the horses of the season. However, Ronald Pump has had a far easier season so far and there are lots of front runners in this race so it could be difficult for the favourite to dominate and I can see Ronald Pump swooping late on.
18:00 – Botani
This is a big step up in trip for Botani, so I’m taking it on trust that it will bring about improvement. The seven year old looks progressive for shrewd connections.
18:35 – Energumene
It looks straightforward enough for the favourite Energumene here. Hopefully he hoses up so we can start looking forward to an unbelievable 2m Chase division next year.
19:05 – Bigbadandbeautiful
Most of the other runners have been running over further than the two miles here. Bigbadandbeautiful has only won a 2m Mares Maiden Hurdle, so it’s a bit of a leap of faith but she’s unexposed so who knows?
19:35 – Grand Jury
It’s interesting that Jamie Codd rides for Henry De Bromhead here on Grand Jury. Patrick Mullins rode him to win last time but is obviously riding for Willie Millins instead. Patrick would have stayed on board if he was allowed.
Paddy Power’s best bets for Day 3:
15:40 – Charcor
16:15 – Raya Time
16:50 – Stand Up And Fight
17:25 – Ronald Pump
18:00 – Botani
18:35 – Energumene
19:05 – Bigbadandbeautiful
19:35 – Grand Jury
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
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