Can the Brits get among the winners? We assess their chances on day one of the Punchestown festival

3.05 Punchestown

Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Final Handicap Hurdle, 2m3½f

Tom Lacey had the first and third in this race 12 months ago and, with ten runners, this contest represents a good chance for the visitors to get off the mark for the week. Plenty to choose from, but Newmarket-trained Blue Hop could have a leading chance here. He has made loads of improvement and won a qualifier for this in some style. Rachael Blackmore is a very eyecatching jockey booking too.

Verdict: Brits win - Blue Hop

Blue Hop15:05 Punchestown

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Jky: Rachael Blackmore Tnr: B F Brookhouse

3.40 Punchestown

Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle, 2m½f

Another strong hand, in particular the improving Wilful and Ascending Lark. Wilful just gets the verdict as he has big potential and is starting to fulfil it on the evidence of his success at the Scottish Grand National meeting. The trip, track and ground should be ideal.

Verdict: Brits win - Wilful

Wilful15:40 Punchestown

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Jky: Jonjo O'Neill Jr Tnr: Jonjo & A J O'Neill

4.50 Punchestown

Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase, 3m1f

An absolute star for Santini's former trainer Polly Gundry having won two Listed races in good style. Something seemed to go amiss when pulled up at Aintree and she shouldn't be completely written off. Has a lot to prove against proven Grade 1 novices, however.

Verdict: Irish win

Don't Rightly Know16:50 Punchestown

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Jky: Harry Cobden Tnr: Polly Gundry

5.25 Punchestown

Goffs Defender Bumper, 2m½f

Jenkins was beaten at odds-on in this race nine years ago for Nicky Henderson and Laguna Beach is a rare bumper runner in Ireland for the six-time champion trainer. So You Know, a half-brother to the stable's Grade 2 winner Does He Know, is the first runner in an Irish bumper from the Kim Bailey yard this century. The two newcomers deserve respect for top yards, but it looks a very hot race and Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins (won eight of the last ten between them) may continue their domination.

Verdict - Irish win

So You Know17:25 Punchestown

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Jky: Miss Gina Andrews Tnr: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Read more like this:

'A return to anywhere near his best gives him a massive chance' - Harry Wilson's tips for every race at Punchestown on Tuesday 

'He should be clear favourite' - Conor Fennelly thinks the market has got this race wrong on day one at Punchestown 

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