Today's Tips: Outlander can make winning start over fences at Punchestown

There’s a weekend of terrific racing in Ireland and Britain, and Outlander gets the nap to the get punters off to a good start by taking the competitive-looking Gain Supporting Laois GAA Beginners’ Chase this afternoon at Punchestown.

The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old was a high-class bumper and hurdle horse, and completed his stint over the smaller obstacles with a fine third behind stable companion Nichols Canyon in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at this track.

With the introduction of fences likely to prompt improvement from the son of Stowaway and Western Whisper, he should be able to make his mark at the very top level as the season unfolds. With the likes of Free Expression, Phil’s Magic and Futuramic in opposition today, this is a good test on his first start over the larger obstacles, but he is a confidence selection to make a winning chasing debut.