Punchestown Festival Tips: Oddschecker preview the action on day three

15:40 – Punchestown: The King of Brega – 25/1 0.5pts each-way
The Henry de Bromhead-trained horse has been one of the most popular picks on Oddschecker this morning with his odds shortening from as big as 28/1 to just 16/1 with some firms. A five-time winner from 25 career starts, today’s ground conditions should be in his favour and his wins have come over a variety of different trips. That versatility should stand him in good stead and if the positive market vibes are to be believed, he could rate a decent each-way bet.

16:15 – Punchestown: Tuly East – 11/2 1pt win
The second race on the card looks a competitive handicap with not much separating those at the top of the market. However, preference is for Alan Fleming’s 7yo who had been competing in some strong fields all season before landing a listed contest at the Festival in March. Well backed on the day, he travelled sweetly throughout the race and perhaps won with a little more in hand. With that in mind a 6lb rise in the handicap shouldn’t be enough to prevent him landing another big pot for connections today.

17:30 – Punchestown: Footpad – 16/1 0.5pts each-way
Cheltenham winner Nichols Canyon and multiple Grade winner Unowhatimeanharry currently lead the betting in what looks another competitive field. But, at the prices, a chance is taken on Footpad improving for the step up in trip. A respectable fourth in the Champion Hurdle to Buveur D’air last time out at Cheltenham over the minimum trip, today will be his first attempt over 3 miles. Still only a 5yo, he represents powerful connections and we saw earlier in the week, when Cilaos Emery turned over hot-favourite and stable companion Melon, that you underestimate the supposed Mullins second-string at your peril.

18:40 – Punchestown: Greatfield – 5/4 3pt win
Jody McGravey and Greatfield have proved a perfect combination since teaming up at Gowran in January with the duo making all for facile victories in their last three starts. The Willie Mullins 6yo is prone to the odd mistake over his obstacles but providing he can keep those to a minimum, he should have enough left in the locker to get the job done today. He looks likely to go off at a short price and for good reason, as it’s very difficult to see anyone getting close to him.

19:45 – Punchestown: Next Destination 11/10 2pt win
In the concluding race Next Destination could complete a super day for Mullins with victory in the Bumper. Fourth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in March, he was ridden along from a long way out that day but still wasn’t a million miles away from the impressive winner Fayonagh (successful on the card yesterday). There should be plenty more to come from the 5yo and with proven form in the book, he should prove too good for the rest of today’s field.