PUNCHESTOWN TIPS: All the best bets for Day 4 - Friday, April 28

Just like that, the Friday of Punchestown has arrived and with it comes Ladies’ Day. It also signifies the running of the Paddy Power Champion Hurdle. Day three saw a clean sweep in the Grade 1 races as Paul Townend and Willie Mullins won the Stayers Hurdle and the Novice Chase.

The ground remains in good condition with it being Good to Yielding. We have previewed the second day of the festival with a race by race guide.

3.40pm Hunters Chase (2m5f)

The first race of the day sees Artic Weather top the early market with Gordon Elliott boasting second favourite with Happy Victory. Elliott’s horse has the evidence to prove he can do well in this race.

Prediction: Happy Victory

4.15pm Novice Handicap Chase (2m5f)

Willie Mullins will be hopeful of another Punchestown winner with three horses capable of finishing first past the post. However, Grandero Bello should have enough to take victory for Eddie and Patrick Harty.

Prediction: Grandero Bello

4.50pm Mares Chase (2m5f)

Impervious comes into the race off of a super run at Cheltenham in the Mares’ Chase. Expecting Brian Hayes to steer Impervious to its fifth win from five over fences.

Prediction: Impervious

5.25pm Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) (2m)

State Man is odds on favourite for the Paddy Power Champion Hurdle and will be hoping to get his winning streak back in order after being beaten by Constitution Hill at Cheltenham. Predicting another Mullins Grade 1 victory.

Prediction: State Man

6.00pm Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (2m 3 ½ f)

Another Grade 1 race where Paul Townend and Willie Mullins stand at the top of the market with Impaire Et Passe priced at 3/10. Comes into the race unbeaten having won four from four, one of which was the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. Can’t see anyone beating Mullins to another Grade 1 crown.

Prediction: Impaire Et Passe

6.35pm Hunters Chase (3m)

One of the day’s more evenly contested races with Vaucelet hoping to make amends from a poor showing at Cheltenham having come into that race off the back of three victories. Expecting Vaucelet to get back to his best.

Prediction: Vaucelet

7.10pm Novice Hurdle (2m)

Expecting the favourite Moonbeg Park to take this one with J J Slevin aboard. He posted a career best when first past the post last time and he should have every chance. 

Prediction: Moonbeg Park

7.45pm Flat Race (2m2f)

The final race of Ladies’ Day sees Paddy and Willie Mullins hoping to end another successful day at Punchestown with Lecky Watson. Mullins’ horse sets the standard for the race with a fourth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. Predicting the Mullins’ family to take another victory at Punchestown.

Prediction: Lecky Watson