All eyes on Punchestown for the one race not to miss in Ireland on Tuesday

2.25 Punchestown

Ladbrokes Home Of The Odds Boost Handicap Chase | 2m6½f| 4yo+ | RTV

Why is it interesting?

This 16-runner affair is extremely competitive and could prove a tricky contest for punters to crack, with the in-form Riviera Sun topping the weights after his Kilbeggan success and leading a JP McManus-owned quartet.

Gordon Elliott fires one bullet in the shape of Graineyhill, an eight-year-old who was unlucky to take a tumble at the last when holding every chance at Gowran Park this month, while the Edward Cawley-trained Fruits Of Glory flashed home last time at Sligo after pecking at the final fence.

Global Racing, one of two runners for Gavin Cromwell, will have to prove himself off a career-high mark after striking at Downpatrick last time, which resulted in a 13lb raise.

What do the stats say?

With the exception of last year's 11-1 victory for Tikkanen Express, it has paid to stick with runners towards the head of the market in recent years, with the previous two winners returning at 11-4 and 7-2.

Henry de Bromhead, represented by Riviera Sun, arrives here in excellent form having won with three of his last nine runners, which have also included two seconds.

What do the trainers say?

Frank Berry, representing JP McManus, owner of Riviera Sun, Hash Brown, Shanpallas and It's Only A Number
Riviera Sun won at Kilbeggan last time and missed the cut for the Munster National on Sunday. The ground will suit him perfect and hopefully he runs a big race. Hash Brown didn't get the run of the race last time at Listowel and has been a bit unlucky but Michael [Hourigan] says he's in good form. Shanpallas goes up in trip again after his last run at Navan and hopefully he might improve again, albeit he's getting on in years. It's Only A Number lacks a bit of experience and hopefully the run will do him good.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Graineyhill
He was unlucky to come down at the last when running a good race at Gowran last time but seems fine since. This is a competitive handicap and we'll see how he goes.

Artic Pearl must overcome a 310-day break but has some smart course formCredit: Caroline Norris

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Global Racing and Biddy The Boss
I thought the 13lb Global Racing got for winning at Downpatrick was very harsh and we'll have to wait and see how he handles it. Biddy The Boss has been a bit disappointing of late and maybe isn't well handicapped at the moment.

Oliver McKiernan, trainer of Ard Na Carraig
The ground should suit him well enough and we're hoping he can take home some of the prize money but it's a competitive race and he may find it tough to do that. It's possible he could go down the banks races route in time, he jumps super.

Martin Brassil, trainer of Artic Pearl
He had a setback after his last win over hurdles at the course in December. It's his first run after a break and we hope he can run a nice race but naturally he could be expected to improve for it.

What do our tipsters say?

Spotlight: Alan Hewison
An open looking handicap in which a chance is taken on Fruits Of Glory, who looked a shade unlucky not to break his duck over fences at Sligo last time, though he has still to prove his stamina for this trip. Strong claims can be made for Riviera Sun and
Graineyhill, while Shanpallas could be approaching a competitive mark, and course specialist Artic Pearl is interesting back chasing and runs well fresh.

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