Punchestown festival longshots: two horses for each-way punters on day four

Day four of the Punchestown festival looks typically competitive and, despite the Grade 1s being dominated by odds-on shots, there are some bigger-priced horses who could outrun their odds. Reporter Matt Rennie selects two horses with appeal for each-way punters.

Forecast odds: 14-1

Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead are expected to strike with Honeysuckle, but they could already be on the scoresheet before then with this mare.

The ten-year-old last got her head in front in a Grade B handicap chase at Cork in October but she has run with promise in two starts since, finishing fifth to Grade 1 winner First Flow at Ascot and then fourth behind Elimay in a Listed contest at Fairyhouse this month.

Abbey Magic has been dropped to 139 subsequently, which is only 5lb higher than for her last success, and while it requires a career-best effort it could well be within her capabilities.

Forecast odds: 7-1

Should star mare Honeysuckle be off her A-game the high-class Sharjah could pick up the pieces at what is a slightly insulting price given his ability.

Sharjah: top-class performer should outrun his odds once againCredit: Patrick McCann

The eight-year-old is a three-time Matheson Hurdle winner, Galway Hurdle hero and has finished second in the Champion Hurdle for the past two years, but has strong course-and-distance form too having beaten Faugheen comprehensively in the 2018 Morgiana Hurdle.

Despite finishing ahead of Epatante and Goshen at Cheltenham last month, they are preferred to Sharjah in the betting despite having more questions to answer. Should the race fall apart, the fast-finisher could use his trademark turn of foot to give Willie Mullins a record-extending ninth win.

Friday's free racing tips: six horses to consider putting in your multiples

Punchestown festival free bets

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Read more on day four at Punchestown:

4.15 Punchestown: talented Asterion Forlonge out to stamp his class on €80,000 handicap chase

5.25 Punchestown: superstar Honeysuckle out to cap perfect season with another Grade 1 masterclass

6.00 Punchestown: Bob Olinger absence leaves the door open for Ballymore second Gaillard

6.35 Punchestown: Billaway's the best horse in the race but will the busy season take its toll?

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