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

Five of the eight races on day three of the Punchestown festival on Thursday are live on RTE2 and they include the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (5.25).

Punchestown festival Thursday: day three TV tips

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

Pigsback.com Handicap Chase, 2m

Jungle Junction was beaten 33 lengths on his chasing debut and then fell, but he might have got some confidence from a third at Gowran Park in January, which has been followed by two victories over fences. A heavy ground winner over hurdles, he might appreciate more rain falling, but looks to have been brought along beautifully by Jessica Harrington.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: RAYA TIME

One of four for red-hot yard and chosen by Rachael Blackmore; handicap chase debut and go well

The Punt Daily: Tom Collins' free horse racing tip on Thursday afternoon

Mongey Communications La Touche Cup Cross Country Chase, 4m2f

Some Neck has always had a touch of class and started favourite for a bumper at this meeting five years ago. He has perhaps never lived up to expectations, but John McConnell saddled him to win over Cheltenham's cross-country fences in December and he was not disgraced behind Tiger Roll when third at the festival.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: SOME NECK

Good run over this course last November, Cheltenham third behind Tiger Roll reads well

Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle, 3m

If Saldier's class carries him through, he could be a massive danger stepped right up in trip. He was arguably Willie Mullins' best Champion Hurdle hope in the 2019-20 season before injury and has not fired since, but his effort in the big one at Cheltenham last month offered some hope, as might trying three miles for the first time.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: FLOORING PORTER

Won the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham; will take catching if in the same form

Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle, 3m

Jordan Gainford is a jockey to note as anyone who saw his polished effort on The Shunter at the Cheltenham Festival will testify. His 7lb claim could come in handy on Dallas Des Pictons, whose two successes over hurdles have come on good ground. Conditions could be in his favour, although connections may feel his handicap mark is not.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: BEN DUNDEE

16lb lower than his chase mark, looks very interesting after last month's Naas fifth

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

Ryanair Novice Chase, 2m

There is no doubt Energumene is the standout name in this and possibly the whole card. He missed Cheltenham and a mouthwatering Arkle clash with Shishkin after a setback, but maybe the Irish novices are not all that after the no-shows of Monkfish and Envoi Allen this week. Energumene has a golden chance to show that view is folly.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: ENERGUMENE

Easily won Grade 1 Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown; missed Cheltenham due to lameness

Punchestown festival free bets

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Read more on day three at Punchestown:

4.50 Punchestown: Enda Bolger looks to Stand Up And Fight to continue love affair with La Touche

5.25 Punchestown: Flooring Porter out to emulate Anzum by completing Cheltenham-Punchestown double

5.25 Punchestown: Flooring Porter the one to beat but Beacon's odds give him the edge in Stayers (Members' Club)

6.00 Punchestown: Willie Mullins relies on unexposed Capodanno to add to outstanding record

6.35 Punchestown: Energumene ready for take-off as Mullins eyes sixth Ryanair on the trot

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