Punchestown Festival: Thursday’s tips

David Metcalf | April 28, 2016

Sunni May to shine for in-form Jessie

Trainer Jessica Harrington has her team in flying form and Sunni May can provide the local handler with another winner in the Kildare Post Flat Race at Punchestown (19:45).

The gelding has always been held in high regard and ran a race full of promise on debut when a 1 3/4 length runner-up to Castello Sforza in a strong 20-runner bumper at Fairyhouse 12 months ago.

Castello Sforza has had just one run since, finishing an excellent four in the Champion Bumper at last month’s Cheltenham Festival, and the third home Deathy Duty has gone on to score twice to give the form a strong look.

Sunni May then ran well on seasonal reappearance when fourth at the same venue when looking in need of the outing, before getting off the mark in good style at Leopardsown when beating Some Neck by 1 3/4 lengths.

Although only third of four when last seen in action at Fairyhouse, Sunni May was unsuited by the slow gallop and and stronger pace looks assured in this bigger field.

Connections have also resisted the temptation to go to Cheltenham or Aintree, and Sunni May looks to have been laid out with this race in mind.

Cassells ready to Rock

In the 3m handicap hurdle (18:05), Cassells Rock looks weighted to run a huge race.