Today's Tips: Invitation Only set to maintain unblemished record at Punchestown
Like the Neptune Hurdle winner, the selection is trained by Willie Mullins, owned by Graham Wylie and will be ridden by Patrick Mullins.
Winner of a point to point on his only start between the flags, he made his racecourse debut at Navan last month and could hardly have been more impressive in racing away to a wide-margin success from subsequent winner Thirsty Work. He may not want the ground too quick, but his potential stands out against these rivals, and the five-year-old can maintain his unblemished record.
One of his more interesting rivals is Blast Of Koeman, who represents the connections of Goffs Land Rover Bumper winner Coeur De Lion. Strictly on the book he has something to find with Sunni May on their Leoparsdtown meeting, but he showed improved form last time and has course form, having so well on his debut in the Land Rover Bumper of 2015.
At first glance the opening race is a bit of a minefield, but a strong enough case can be made to make Roconga a betting proposition. Eddie O’Grady’s horse seemed to have his issues last season, but made his return from more than five months off when an unlucky third behind Sir Raston at Dundalk.
He gained compensation when running out a reasonably comfortable winner at the same track last time, and makes his return to hurdling today on ground which should suit. With only seven runs in this sphere, the former bumper and maiden hurdle winner has plenty of scope for improvement, and looks well treated off a mark of 116.
He appeals the type to have a profitable season on summer ground, and can take this in the hands of Andrew Lynch.
There are dangers abound, but top-weight Joshua Lane is another for whom a strong case can be made. He remains a maiden after 10 starts, but there was plenty of encouragement in his most recent outing, and it’s only a matter of time before this former Cheltenham Champion Bumper third breaks his duck over timber.
The star attraction on the card is Douvan, who will bid to maintain his perfect record over fences when he contests the Grade One Ryanair Novice Chase. While some of his stable companions have not run up to their form at this meeting, he is an exceptional talent. He is, arguably, the most exciting novice in training and, while he won’t make anyone rich at today’s odds, another exhibition can be expected.
Sizing John will appreciate the return to two miles, but must step up on his Aintree run, while The Game Changer travels well enough to reach the frame but not nearly well enough to trouble the favourite. The latter is just preferred as the forecast link.
Elsewhere, Jacksonlady can follow up last year’s success in the three.ie handicap chase, off just a 5lb higher mark.
