Paul Kealy's play of the day at Punchestown

Keep Running

3.05 Punchestown

The Brits had a one-two in a handicap hurdle on the opening day and I reckon they have serious chances of more success here, starting with the Warren Greatrex-trained Keep Running, who gets the added benefit of Sean Bowen in the saddle for the first time in the 2m½f Listed handicap chase (3.05).

That might be a bit harsh on James Bowen, who has done nothing wrong on this improver in his last two starts, but older brother Sean is becoming the go-to jockey for many and with good reason.

Keep Running has been a massive improver since his wind operation last spring, scoring runaway victories at Ludlow and Ffos Las. While he came unstuck in his hat-trick bid at Kempton in February, that ten-length defeat was not as bad as it looked given the winner scored again next time off 9lb higher at the same track from a proper Kempton specialist.

The Irish handicapper gives the Brits a bit more of a chance these days, as Keep Running gets in here off a 2lb lower mark. 

Bowen also gets to sit on One Big Bang for the first time in the 2m7½f Listed handicap hurdle (4.15) following his fifth under a 5lb claimer in the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival.

He has ground to make up on the first two (Doddiethegreat and Jeriko Du Reponet), who are in the field again, but should run well.

Keep Running15:05 Punchestown

View Racecard

Jky: Sean Bowen Tnr: Warren Greatrex

Racing Post+ subscribers can read more of Paul Kealy's tipping here:

'She might be hard to contain late on' - Paul Kealy with three bets on Thursday   

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