Thunder can strike for Russell

Thunder And Roses should triumph for in-form Davy Russell and Gigginstown House Stud in the €10 Admission To Non Festival Meetings Maiden Hurdle in Punchestown.

The Dessie Hughes-trained five-year-old, winner of a bumper in Naas, performed consistently over hurdles last season and, helped by his recent seasonal debut over a shorter trip on this track, should be primed to open his account over timber.

Last season, his form included seconds to Talbot Road (Leopardstown) and Tennis Cap (Cork) and a third placing behind Mala Beach in Leopardstown.