Punchestown Tips: We’re taking the coastal path

Punchestown stages a jumps card over in Ireland on Tuesday – seven races, 13.50 – 17.20.

Unsurprisingly some of the sport’s most notable Irish exponents are in action – several bearing the magical Mullins surname, along with G Elliott, Rachael Blackmore, Jessie Harrington, and Paul Townend, among others.

It should be a cracking afternoon, and for the most part there are very decent fields.

15.35 – Antrim Coast @ 3/1

Trappy but intriguing 2m 4f maiden hurdle. Some top yards are represented, among them that of our selection – namely Gavin Cromwell. Keith Donoghue is in the plate.

Antrim Coast has run twice – respectably on debut at Galway (bumper), but altogether more potent last time at Navan, finishing 2nd in a big field of maidens (hurdle). This gelded son of Presenting earned a much-improved Racing Post rating too, confirming the great strides made from that initial racecourse experience.

Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins field two that are likely to shade mine in the market, but I wouldn’t swop Antrim Coast for anything else in the contest.

16.10 – Atlantic Wonder @ 6/1

Another 2m 4f hurdle, but a handicap this time. My selection is trained by the legendary Tony Martin, and Adrian Heskin takes the ride.

Yet to win a race, nevertheless this 6-yr-old is a pretty consistent performer who’s gone close in the past, including last time at Navan. He was running on at the finish there and so tries this longer trip – and I think it could work the proverbial oracle.

That last piece of form, second of 18, entitles him to a real crack at this and expect Adrian to smuggle him into the race late perhaps and gain a long overdue success for his ultra-shrewd handler and owner Mr Commins.