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

RTE2 will be broadcasting six live races from the Punchestown festival on Wednesday. The quality action on day two features more high-class names, notably Al Boum Photo, Clan Des Obeaux and Kemboy in the Punchestown Gold Cup (5.55), and we've got you covered for the day's action.

Punchestown festival Wednesday: day two TV tips

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

4.15 Punchestown
Connolly's RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series Final, 2m4½f

In a field full of exposed types Heather Rocco stands out as one with plenty more improvement yet to be tapped into. The six-year-old has won two of her three starts under rules, skating up by 16 lengths at Limerick last time. Feelgood Island and Born Patriot are next best, while Stranger Danger could go well at a price.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: GELEE BLANCHE

Tramore winner needs to find a lot more, trainer's sole runner and thus risky to rule out

Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle, 2m4½f

Marajman was off 812 days before hacking up by six lengths on his debut for Willie Mullins and looks an intriguing candidate in this as he steps up in grade. Things have not gone right for Blue Sari since finishing second to Envoi Allen in the 2019 Champion Bumper, while Decimation has been a model of consistency for Henry de Bromhead.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: DECIMATION

Took his form to a new level when narrowly denied a Grade 2 last time out; more to come

The Punt Daily: Robbie Wilders' horse racing tip at Punchestown on Wednesday

Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle, 3m, Grade 1

A top-class contest in which Vanillier looks the pick among a field featuring three Cheltenham Festival winners. The six-year-old could not have been more impressive in the Albert Bartlett but will face stern competition here from Martin Pipe winner Galopin Des Champs and mares' novice winner Telmesomethinggirl.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: VANILLIER

Accounted for three of these when a decisive winner of the Albert Bartlett, strong claims

Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup, 3m½f, Grade 1

Kemboy returns to defend the crown he won in 2019 but faces stern competition this season. Clan Des Obeaux oozed class at Aintree last time and connections appear confident having skipped Sandown last week in favour of this Grade 1. Al Boum Photo has chequered history in this race but holds obvious claims after a good run in the Gold Cup. Fakir D'Oudairies and Melon are capable of springing a shock.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: AL BOUM PHOTO

Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, third this year, may now avenge 2019 loss to Kemboy

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ITM – Supporting Irish Store Sales Champion INH Flat Race, 2m½f, Grade 1

This looks a match between two of Willie Mullins' stars of the future. Sir Gerhard won the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham but Kilcruit was closing late on and could be in position to take his revenge here. However, Patrick Mullins switches back to Sir Gerhard which could prove informative. The remainder need to find more to get on terms.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: KILCRUIT

Impressive winner at Navan and in Leopardstown before second to Sir Gerhard at Cheltenham

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

Guinness Handicap Chase (Grade A) 2m4f

It will be intriguing to see how the Willie Mullins-trained Livelovelaugh fares back over regulation fences after leading from start to finish when winning the Topham Chase at Aintree this month. Embittered, a faller when going easily in the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival, is just one of the dangers.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: LIVELOVELAUGH

Impressive winner of the Topham last time out; should get similar ground; leading claims

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 two at Punchestown:

5.20 Punchestown: Telmesomethinggirl takes on the boys in Grade 1 clash of three Cheltenham stars

5.55 Punchestown: redemption for Al Boum or can Clan do it for the visitors in Gold Cup cracker?

6.30 Punchestown: Mullins expecting another 'very close call' between Sir Gerhard and Kilcruit

7.00 Punchestown: can Mullins' Livelovelaugh reproduce Aintree heroics in €80,000 handicap chase?

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