Punchestown tips: one key runner from each TV race on day four of the festival

Five of the eight races on day four of the 2021 Punchestown festival on Friday are live on RTE2, including the Paddy Power Champion Hurdle (5.25).

Punchestown festival Friday: day four TV tips

Our Spotlight experts select their best bets for day four of the Punchestown festival

EMS Copiers Novice Handicap Chase, Grade A, 2m5f

Enigmatic Grade 1 winner Asterion Forlonge has endured a topsy-turvy first campaign over fences and drops into handicap company for the first time off top weight as he bids for a second chase win. He has course-winning form and could be hard to beat should he replicate his third in the Marsh Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Dublin Racing Festival winner A Wave Of The Sea could also have a say.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: DOSTAL PHIL

Impressive on debut over fences and good third at Aintree latest; leniently dropped 1lb

Hanlon Concrete Irish EBF Glencarraig Lady Francis Flood Mares Handicap Chase, Grade B, 2m5f

2019 Grand National second Magic Of Light made it only as far as the fourth fence in this year's Aintree showpiece but bids for compensation for the in-form duo of Jessica Harrington and Robbie Power, who enjoyed a double at the track on Wednesday. Impressive Porterstown Chase winner Court Maid and Waitnsee – winner of a Grade 3 at Cork last time – provide stern opposition as does Demi Plie, who was a 50-1 second in a Listed event at Fairyhouse's Irish Grand National meeting.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: SCARLET AND DOVE

Jumped poorly at Fairyhouse last time but respected if doing better in that sphere today

Paddy Power Champion Hurdle, Grade 1, 2m

Superstar Honeysuckle has played a major role in a wonderful season for Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead and the Champion Hurdle heroine bids to maintain her unbeaten record in the Punchestown equivalent. Sharjah and Epatante, second and third behind Honeysuckle at Cheltenham, take her on again as do Abacadabras, Goshen and Aspire Tower, but they have plenty to find with Honeysuckle on form and this could be another crowning moment for the queen of jumps racing.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: HONEYSUCKLE

Without flaw compared to her main rivals in this division; hard to see her beaten here

Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle, Grade 1, 2m4f

Bob Olinger's absence has significantly changed the complexion of this Grade 1 and paved the way for Gaillard Du Mesnil, seven and a half lengths behind Bob Olinger at Cheltenham, to win a second Grade 1 of his career. Ashdale Bob, a two-time Grade 2 winner, poses the biggest threat after a solid season.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: GAILLARD DU MESNIL

With Bob Olinger a non-runner, Gaillard Du Mesnil sets a clear standard on his Ballymore second from last time out and he's taken to get the better of recent Grade 2 winner Ashdale Bob

Irish Daily Star Champion Hunters Chase, 3m1½f

Caid Du Berlais has won the last two runnings and bids to emulate On The Fringe as a three-time winner of Ireland's top hunter chase. Last year's Cheltenham Foxhunter Chase hero It Came To Pass and Bob And Co are among his opposition, with the latter out to continue the Punchestown party for Paul Nicholls following Clan Des Obeaux's success in the Punchestown Gold Cup on Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: CAID DU BERLAIS

Hard to beat if turning up here in the same form as 2019 and comes here relatively fresh

Punchestown festival free bets

New Sky Bet customers can get £20 in free bets when they place a £5 bet. First single & EW bet only. Odds of 1-1 or greater. 2x £/10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets are non withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Full T&Cs here. 18+.

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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