Punchestown will be the venue for an all-jumps race meeting on Thursday evening with proceedings scheduled to get under way at the Co Kildare track at 5.50pm.
The most intriguing race is undoubtedly the Visit punchestown.com Hurdle and the likelihood is that it will take a smart one to lower the colours of Norther Bay in this two-mile contest.
Norther Bay, trained by Slieverue handler Eoin Griffin, made a valiant attempt to make all on his most recent start in a two mile one furlong handicap hurdle at Killarney on May 11th. Norther Bay was ultimately headed quite literally in the shadow of the post when beaten two lengths into second place by Northern Alliance. Norther Bay can attain his revenge by showing a clean pair of heels to Marseillais.
Piper’s Knowe appears quite well-treated in the Tote Sports Lounge Handicap Hurdle. This Noel Meade-trained six-year-old posted a fine stamina-laden performance to beat High Skies in a two and a quarter mile maiden hurdle at Downpatrick earlier this month and he looks set to continue on his merry way here. In al probability, Another Notice will give the selection the most to do.
Eye Candy can vindicate the horses for courses theory by winning the Enhance Marketing Chase. On his most recent start, the Sandra McCarthy-trained Eye Candy easily triumphed in a two mile conditions chase at this same venue on May 7th. That race was over two miles and the step up in trip of two furlongs is unlikely to inconvenience Eye Candy and he’s recommended to dispose of last Sunday’s Tralee winner Wishwillow Lord.
Gerry Keane’s Ferry Point looks likely to return to the coveted number one slot from Cloghoge Lady in the opening Ballymore Eustace Mares Maiden Hurdle and Ringned should attain due reward for his consistency by proving marginally superior to Dark Strands in the Panoramic Restaurant (C & G) Maiden Hurdle.
Cochise appears reasonably well-treated in the coveted Conyngham Cup (Q.R.) Handicap Chase and Shane Broderick’s charge in all probability should have most to fear from She’s Supersonic whilst Spirit Tornado could make a victorious start to her park career by scoring from Lightening Sky in the Black Hills Mares INH Flat Race.