Punchestown Thursday Betting Preview Part Two

5:30 LADBROKES.COM WORLD SERIES HURDLE (GRADE 1)

There are some quality contenders in the mix for this one and not many of them enter into this one off a win except for Voler La Vedette and Quevega, who gets Ruby Walsh and could be the main story in the contest. Fresh off another dramatic score in the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle, one of the best females on the National Hunt should be a force to be reckoned with in this one. A course and distance winner, she looks in cracking form and returns to defend her title in this race from last year.

Oscar Dan Dan deserves some respect for a place wager in this one and he put in another workmanlike performance in the Keelings Irish Strawberry Hurdle a week or two ago to finish third. I don't see a win in his future but he has placed against many in this race.

Mourad ran on well to finish third to Big Buck's in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham and he'll certainly be poised to take advantage of any mistakes made by more fancied contenders. I think he has the ability to win if he can really find something extra and I have no doubt about his ability to contest this one and he did manage a third place here last year. I don't think he'll offer enough value for an each-way selection but he does look nice on the bottom end of a forecast with Quevega in the top slot. He is hitting at a career-high rating.

6:05 NAAS COURT HOTEL HANDICAP HURDLE

A big field of 28 for this one makes it a real crap shoot, especially with most in the contest not exactly boasting standout records. There are a few who catch the eye here and Mouse Morris saddles a respectable contender in Baily Rock at the bottom-end of the handicap. This one finally managed a win on the beginners' circuit when he switched to AJ McNamara and he'll be in the irons again for this one making me confident that he could be poised to improve based on that performance at Wexford. This is a tougher race but he might be able to take advantage of some faster going on the run-in.

Kerb Appeal gets a high weight but he is winless since breaking his maiden carrying four pounds extra. He was a beaten favourite last time out and will be looking to get it back on track here. He could carry a solid price so I think he's a nice value play if you get him at a quality listing.

6:40 RYANAIR NOVICE CHASE (GRADE 1)

I was all over Captain Chris for Cheltenham and was well-rewarded after he performed to expectations. This is his first run at Punchestown so I'm not quite sure how he takes to the surface. If you can get him at a decent price I say he's justified but I'm not as keen on him this time out. Realt Dubh is probably the biggest challenger and his ability to dig in a bit might be able to make the difference if Captain Chris doesn't get the race that he wants.

7:15 IRISH SUN INH FLAT RACE

A hefty field of 22 for the nightcap and I'm liking the looks of Sizing India who lines up for Nicky Henderson. It's always worth a bet on a sizing if you can get in on one at the right time and he did manage a score on debut last time out. Look for him to kick on well here but he might not be able to handle a field this big. Approach with caution.

Giant's Quest has been knocking on the door for a bit and could be set to progress here. He boasts a higher rating than most of the competition and could certainly be a factor. Your guess is as good as mine but neither of these two would be a shock to hit the wire first.