16:15 Punchestown

Wednesday 29 April 2026

All14:3015:0515:4016:1516:5017:2518:0518:35

Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 16:15 | Winning time: 6m 11.50s

Doctor Steinberg^h1⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 145| BF

4/1

Useful bumper winner who won first 3 starts over hurdles, building on Navan Grade 2 when impressively landing Leopardstown Grade 1 (Kazansky second). However, pulled too hard in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham since and connections now reach for a hood. Has the ability to be a big player.

Form: 15111P

Dream On Mick²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Joe Williamson| T: P A Kirby| D

66/1

Won his second start in Irish points in January and made a winning debut under Rules in Carlisle maiden 25 days ago but this looks hugely ambitious.

Form: P11

Espresso Milan⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 136| C

20/1

Just fair form in bumpers for Fergal O'Brien and made a very bright starts over hurdles for this yard, winning maiden/novice first 2 starts. However, pulled away his chance in the Albert Bartlett after and needs to settle down if he's to make an impact at this level.

Form: 427-110

Frankie John¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Daniel King| T: D Hogan| OR: 138| D

20/1

Bumper/maiden hurdle winner. Highly tried this year but took a big step forward in first-time headgear when 4½ lengths fourth of 12 in Grade 1 Sefton Hurdle at Aintree 19 days ago, looking well served by the increased test of stamina. Not taken lightly on that form but cheekpieces left off here.

Form: 231554

Fruit De Mer⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Darragh O'Keeffe| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 143| D

8/1

Point winner. First past the post (subsequently demoted) in bumper last season. Made a successful start over hurdles in maiden at Naas and most progressive in Grade 1 events since, running a cracker over this longer distance when second of 22 in Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham. High on shortlist.

Form: 1/2-132

Generous Risk²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Ewing| T: G Elliott| OR: 136| D

50/1

Expensive point recruit who settled better than in bumpers when making a successful hurdle debut at Leopardstown. Beaten only by the hugely exciting He's On Fire in Grade 2 at Fairyhouse since but that form still a long way short of what is required.

Form: 3-23612

Hipop De Loire^p²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Sean O'Keeffe| T: W P Mullins| OR: 135

50/1

Useful stayer on Flat who found the demands of an Albert Bartlett too much on just his third start over hurdles. Excuses at Fairyhouse since but firmly up against it back at this level.

Form: 2-1PP

I Started A Joke^p²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Philip Byrnes| T: C Byrnes| OR: 133| C

11/1

Progressive sort who readily landed the odds in maiden here (2m). Good second on handicap debut at Leopardstown next time before better than bare result when third in Fairyhouse Grade 2 (rider lost irons briefly after mistake at the first). Capable of better still but stamina an unknown.

Form: 434123

Kazansky⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Danny Gilligan| T: G Elliott| OR: 138| D

40/1

Brought down on hurdles bow but won next 2 starts, including Limerick Grade 2 (23f, heavy) over Christmas. However, proved no match for Doctor Steinberg in Leopardstown Grade 1 and struggled in the Albert Bartlett since.

Form: 1-B112P

Le Frimeur⁴⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: J J Slevin| T: Harry Derham| OR: 129| D

18/1

Irish point winner who is 2 from 2 under Rules, responding well when defying a penalty in Newbury novice 6 weeks ago. That form has been boosted since but this represents a big step up in class.

Form: 1-11

Love Me Tender²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Mark Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 136

10/1

Highly impressive when making it 3-3 in Grade 3 at Tipperary. Progress has rather stalled in better company since but step up in trip could suit if settling.

Form: 111334

Spinningayarn⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 136| C| D

9/1

Bumper winner who built on hurdles bow/return to win Fairyhouse maiden and novice here (19f) in January. Acquitted himself well upped significantly in class when 10 lengths fifth of 22 in Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham since but more needed if he's to go close here.

Form: 14-3115

The Passing Wife⁴⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Keith Donoghue| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 143| C| D

4/1

Useful bumper winner. Has only a maiden win to his name over hurdles but that won't be for long judged on his excellent third in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham, looking well suited by the step up in trip. Needs considering.

Form: 1-33513

Zanoosh^t²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Brian Hayes| T: Colm Murphy| OR: 141| C

11/4

Thriving mare who took the step up in class in her stride when making it 5 on the bounce in Grade 1 (for mares) at Fairyhouse earlier this month, getting to the front courtesy of another swift leap at the last. Big chance back against the males if proving as effective on faster ground.

Form: 311111

Forecasts

Zanoosh (11/4), The Passing Wife (4/1), Doctor Steinberg (4/1), Fruit De Mer (8/1), Spinningayarn (9/1), Love Me Tender (10/1), I Started A Joke (11/1), Le Frimeur (18/1), Frankie John (20/1), Espresso Milan (20/1), Kazansky (40/1), Hipop De Loire (50/1), Generous Risk (50/1), Dream On Mick (66/1)

A race with a tremendous roll of honour with Galopin des Champs and Gaelic Warrior among the recent winners. There wasn't much between FRUIT DE MER and The Passing Wife when placed in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival with narrow preference for the former after just 4 career outings. Thriving mare Zanoosh is another to consider.