Bet With Tote At Punchestown Hurdle

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 5m 1.3s

Stratum⁵⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 145| BF

3/1

Dual-purpose gelding who won the Cesarewitch on his penultimate start on the Flat at Newmarket (2m2f). Was second of four on his latest appearance over hurdles at Listowel (2m4f). One to think about.

Form: 40-4192

Burrows Saint^t³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: W P Mullins| OR: 133| CD

13/2

A C&D winner who had a lot of success over fences last season, including the Irish Grand National. He was third of five in the Grade One Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse (2m4f) earlier this month. Others appeal more in this hurdles race.

Form: 4111-53

Cracking Smart^b,t¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 147| CD

8/1

Was second in a Grade One contest over hurdles last season. Has struggled over fences in the campaign so far. Was back over hurdles last time where he was seventh of 15 at Navan (2m4f). Can't be discounted.

Form: 82F8P7

Kitten Rock⁵¹⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: Mark Walsh| T: E J O'Grady| OR: 158

33/1

Has an excellent record over hurdles with six wins from 10 appearances. His latest outing came in August 2018 when he was 14th off 22 at Galway (2m6½f). Best to watch on his return to action.

Form: 132F2/0-

Saglawy^h⁵⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 147

13/8

Was successful in a Grade Two contest at Fairyhouse (2m) in April 2018. Has yet to score over hurdles since then, although he did win on the Flat back in September at Listowel (1m6f). One for the shortlist.

Form: 13/9533-

Sayo⁴⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Brian Hayes| T: W P Mullins| OR: 145

16/1

Scored over fences three starts back at Galway (2m2f). Has failed to follow that up in two runs since, including last time when he was pulled up at this course in a 2m6½f Grade Two chase. Not one to ignore.

Form: 3/P418P

Sizing John⁷³³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: B J Geraghty| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 150| BF| CD

4/1

Former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who is back over hurdles for the first time since April 2015. His last appearance came in the 2017 Christmas Chase at Leopardstown (3m) where he was seventh of 12. Leading contender on return to action.

Form: 111117/

Forecasts

Saglawy (13/8), Stratum (3/1), Sizing John (4/1), Burrows Saint (13/2), Cracking Smart (8/1), Sayo (16/1), Kitten Rock (33/1)

SIZING JOHN makes his return to action here after two years off the track and although the former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner is over hurdles in this contest, he should have the class to come out on top. Stratum is a very capable hurdler who is likely to be in the mix on his return to this code following success in the Cesarewitch, while Saglawy is a Grade Two winner who can't be discounted from running a big race as he heads back over hurdles here.