Punchestown Festival Day 2 Betting Tips and Predictions

As we examine the cards day 2 of the 2025 Punchestown Festival, it should be noted that Punchestown can often throw up some funny results, and yesterday did just that! Some horses have been to multiple festivals and have just been chucked in here before their summer break. Others are just gearing up for a summer campaign. As you would expect, Willie Mullins is the man to follow (even when the favourites don’t win). He has won 112 grade 1s at the festival since 2000 (The nearest challenger has 12) and he has won 73% of grade 1 contents in the last 4 years (no other trainer has won more than once in any year). However, these are not always his first string so there may be some value lurking.  

4.15 3M Novice Hurdle

While I won’t go against Willie in many of the Grade 1 contest this week, history tells us he won’t win them all and perhaps this is the one he leaves without. Jasmin de Vaux was very impressive at Cheltenham but is not a horse to ever to take short odds given on how badly he jumps. He was suited by the lack of hurdles in the final part of that race. On the other hand, HONESTY POLICY (4/1) loved the step up in trip at Aintree and I think will relish going even further. JP doesn’t buy many duds and this is one to keep an eye on next year, especially if staying over hurdles.  

4.50 Champion Bumper

Ok, maybe Willie leaves 2 behind. Bambino Fever is the right favourite with impressive wins at Cheltenham and the DRF but COLCANNON (5/1) wasn’t eligible that day so represents a worthy challenge based on his classy DRF win. In behind that day were Sortudo and Green Splendour who have gone on to score at Fairyhouse and Aintree Festivals. I also believe that Copacabana is a horse to keep onside for next year’s novice hurdles.    

5.30 Gold Cup

A tricky race here with a disappointing turnout of just 4 horses. Galopin Des Champs has proved in the last couple of years that he is not at his best round here, and SPILLANES TOWER (5/2) has been kept fresh for this day. The yielding conditions should suit and he beat the favourite in the John Durcan at the track at the start of the year (albeit over a shorter trip). He may just have enough pace if stalking the favourite to get past on the run in.  

Handicaps 

Beyond your Dreams 7/1 (2.30) was well fancied for the Boodles and has Aidan Kelly booked for this Opportunity Series Final. Downmexicoway 13/2 (3.05) is an interesting Handicap debutant having run down the field in a grade 2 last time out, following on from an impressive Christmas run at Down Royal. Kaid Dauthie 7/2 (3.40) is likely to be a short price for Willie, JP and Mark Walsh but is surely better than his current mark. I’m also convinced there is a big race in The King of Prs (6.05) for Conor Stone Walsh and Gavin Cromwell.     

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