Punchestown Day 5 Tips: @RoadCheltenham Wraps Up The Week With Saturday Tips

The final day of the 2024 Punchestown Festival and the main storyline is all about the Irish Jockeys title. 

Paul Townend is attempting to reel in Jack Kennedy, but away from that there is plenty of good racing to get stuck into so let's begin for the final time this week...

15:05 Punchestown – Klarc Kent (E/W)

Klarc Kent ran a massive race in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr, finishing six lengths adrift of the well handicapped MacDermott. I thought that was a big run that went a little under the radar given his stablemate won the race.

He finished in front of fellow Closutton inmates Ontheropes – who reopposes here – and Spanish Harlem and Paul Townend has gone for my selection, which is hopefully a tip in itself.

The ground is an unknown for him but if he takes to it then we could be in business. It’s a competitive race but I’m hoping for a super run from Klarc Kent.

16:15 Punchestown – Gold Bullion (E/W)

I’m hoping to see Rachael Blackmore in the winner’s enclosure on Saturday and Gold Bullion has a fantastic chance of running a big race in the Listed Handicap Chase.

He’s by Fame And Glory and they generally enjoy a nicer surface and the better ground will surely suit. He ran well for a long way behind subsequent Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles earlier in the season and I imagine he’ll be in the mix.

 A good test of stamina should be right up his street and I’d imagine he’ll receive plenty of support from those in attendance at Punchestown on Saturday.

16:50 Punchestown – Bottler’secret (WIN)

I’m hoping that Bottler’secret copes with the quicker ground and he must have a great chance of winning this Grade 1 if he enjoys a faster surface.

The strong-travelling Kargese is an obvious danger and is a worthy favourite on form but she’s had a busy enough campaign – this will be her fifth run since Christmas.

She is clearly very talented and she’s been able to compete at the top table at the three major festivals this season but it might be a case of one run too many and I think Gavin Cromwell’s horse is worth a play at the prices.

17:25 Punchestown – Waterford Whispers (NAP)

I was counting my winnings turning for home in the Martin Pipe but Waterford Whispers probably did too much too soon at Cheltenham and he did well to finish second.

He did the majority of the donkey work and was outstayed by Better Days Ahead – who ran well behind Dancing City in the Grade 1 three mile novice hurdle on Wednesday.

He’s a progressive type and Mark Walsh returns to the plate to take the ride. I’m hoping he can make into a proper Graded horse over a fence and he can win this nice handicap before going chasing next season.

18:00 Punchestown – Attaho (TRACKER)

Another Punchestown bumper and another Mulryan horse for the tracker. Attaho is a full brother to four-time Grade 1 winner Allaho and he’s worth putting in your trackers.

He ran reasonably well in his point on heavy ground but he looks the type to benefit from a faster surface. I’m expecting him to go well here and he’ll almost certainly improve for an obstacle in time.

The Mullins camp have been talking up Chart Topper as a nice type so he’s another one to keep an eye on in this race.