Punchestown Festival Day 4 Tips: Two to consider on Friday

Owen McMahon

Apr 27

Friday marks the penultimate day of the 2023 Punchestown Festival. Here's my two fancies across the card.

Punchestown Tips

4.50 - Riviere D'etel @ 8/1
7.45 - He's My Hero @ 9/1

One of the races of the day is the G2 Mares Chase at 4.50, which sees Impervious and Allegorie De Vassy renew rivalry after their thrilling battle at the Cheltenham Festival last month.

The former won well in the end and the latter has since disappointed, so I expect Colm Murphy's mare to confirm the form - however, I think RIVIERE D'ETEL can put it up to the favourite.

Gordon Elliott's six-year-old was running a big race behind the aforementioned duo at Cheltenham before falling three out. She was travelling well, giving the impression - on top of bullish reports from Cullentra beforehand - that she is back to something like her best after a troubled campaign.

Conditions suit and she'll love going right-handed, given her tendency to shift that way at almost every fence she jumps.

I think she's a huge price here and well worth a couple of quid.

Bet on the 16.50 at Punchestown with Betfred here

Finally, I think Paul Nolan's HE'S MY HERO is a cracking each-way bet for the bumper at 7.45.

The five-year-old son of Telescope was an expensive buy after finishing runner-up in a PTP back in April last year and made an extremely promising debut under rules in a red-hot bumper at Naas just under a month ago.

He was second to Willie Mullins' Mirazur West, a full-brother to Ferny Hollow who I consider to be one of the very top prospects heading into next year's novice hurdles, and finished in front of Henry De Bromhead's Mahon's Way, another big purchase with a lofty reputation, with the other five runners well behind - including Colm Murphy's Rhaenyra who was second in the G3 mares' bumper here on Wednesday.

The bottom line? I think that's very strong form and with expected improvement He's My Hero can go close in Friday's finale under the excellent Barry O'Neill.

Bet on the 19.45 at Punchestown with Betfred here

Good luck whatever you end up backing and enjoy what promises to be a brilliant day of racing!

*prices correct at time of publication