The Punchestown Festival moves onto its second day on Wednesday. Featuring the Punchestown Gold Cup, the card is hugely competitive throughout.
Across the eight races, Matty Sutcliffe has three selections for you to follow.
Punchestown Racing Tips (Wednesday 29 April)
Day two of the Punchestown Festival contains the Punchestown Gold Cup later on the card. Matty Sutcliffe aims for some early profit on the day, with selections in the first three races on Wednesday.
3:05 Punchestown – Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series Final (4yo+) – L’Evangeliste 3/1 1pt WIN
Pastorius gelding L’Evangeliste hasn’t been seen since making all in a Fairyhouse Novice Hurdle in November when a winner for the column, but I’m not to be put off by that as I’d be of the opinion he can make his mark in much stronger races than this.
He was giving 10lbs to the second there and never looked in danger, with the pair pulling 25 lengths clear of the third. That came a month after winning a leg of this series final at Galway, when again well backed and making all under Sean Flanagan. That was a comfortable performance, and the second went in well next time out.
His earlier form reads strong, beaten two lengths on hurdles debut by the Champion Bumper second Heads Up who was subsequently second to No Drama This End.
He’s proven himself to go well fresh, and while he has made all the last twice, he strikes me as the type to improve for settling off the pace in a strongly run contest.
3:40 Punchestown – Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle (4yo+) – Begorra Man 9/2 1pt WIN
The Mullins pair to the fore of the market have their question marks, and it may pay to chance the entirely unexposed Begorra Man who has some smart back form.
The Flemensfirth gelding made his debut on Boxing Day 2024 at Leopardstown when a 13-length fifth to Kopek Des Bordes, with the subsequent winner Kawaboomga in second.
Gavin Cromwell dropped him back into bumper company next time out, and he was second to Gameofinches who was well fancied for the Champion Bumper under Paul Townend, albeit beaten ten lengths.
He then had a year off and returned in the same bumper won by a Gigginstown debutant for Gordon Elliott, finishing ahead of the well touted Heldam. He backed up his hurdles debut when second to Kilgame at Naas last month, finishing ahead of Munsif who was short in the Fred Winter betting before being balloted out.
By Flemensfirth out of a smart family that stays further, Begorra Man can improve for this step up in trip and brings any amount of potential to the contest.
4:15 Punchestown – Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+) – Le Frimeur 16/1 1pt EW 4 places
This is a big ask for Le Frimeur stepping up into Grade 1 company on just his second start against experienced rivals, but it isn’t a huge standard to aim at for the grade and the fact Harry Derham, who wouldn’t have all that many animals at this level, is happy to pitch him in as opposed to putting him away for the summer is strongly noted.
The son of Gemix is unbeaten in three starts, the first coming last March when a seven length winner of his point to point. He was subsequently purchased for £50,000 by Munir and Souede, and stayed on well to win a Chepstow maiden hurdle a shade cosily. They pulled 17 lengths of the third there, and he returned from a 118 day layoff to beat the progressive 13/8 favourite Came From Nowhere, who’s second in a competitive handicap off 132 next time out.
I thought that was an exceptional performance, as he was fresh from his layoff and while the second was held onto long enough, he found little response to rally back from Le Frimeur. They pulled nine lengths clear of the third who was an eleven length winner next time out now rated 129, which on adjusted ratings wouldn’t put Le Frimeur a million miles away from the level required to compete here, without factoring in the likelihood he’ll have come on plenty for that run.
Matty Sutcliffe’s Best Bets for Punchestown
3:05 Punchestown – Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series Final (4yo+) – L’Evangeliste 3/1 1pt WIN
3:40 Punchestown – Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle (4yo+) – Begorra Man 9/2 1pt WIN
4:15 Punchestown – Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+) – Le Frimeur 16/1 1pt EW 4 places
Matthew Sutcliffe’s Best Bets – Wednesday 29 April
FAQs
What are today’s racing tips?
Matthew Sutcliffe provides his best bets for the racing at Punchestown on Wednesday 29 April.
When were Matthew Sutcliffe’s tips published?
Matty Sutcliffe’s racing tips were published at 12pm on Tuesday 28 April.
Who is Matthew Sutcliffe?
Matthew Sutcliffe is GGs newest contributor, often providing a value angle for his tips. He writes weekly columns for the weekend’s racing, as well as taking aim at ante-post markets at the Cheltenham Festival. Follow him on X: @MattySutcliffe
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