IRISH INSIDER

14:40 Punchestown

The Big Dog took this contest last year and is easily forgiven, he’s pulled up effort, having made a serious mistake, in the Welsh National. This race will have undoubtedly been his target since then and this proven stayer should be competitive even with his 8lb higher today. Coko Beach won the Thyestes last season and although he pulled up in that race recently, he’s on a nice mark and Shane Fitzgerald claims a valuable five-pounds off his back.

In the last eighteen renewals, only one horse has carried more than eleven stone to victory so it might be worth siding with the bottom-weight The Dabbler. The lightly-raced son of Presenting finished runner-up in the Porterstown when last seen, where he was in front of the re-opposing Stones And Roses. He got a five-pound hike for that performance but he’s a confirmed stayer off a lightweight so could be the answer. Au Fleuron is clearly a nice horse that brings a rating of 132 into the race but may be vulnerable to one of the less exposed types.

THE DABBER (WIN)

15:10 Punchestown

I thought Largy Debut was the “next comming” when he beat Kilcruit at Cork but blotted his copybook when jumping badly right and pulling up in a Grade 1 at Christmas. However it’s far too early to write him off after just one poor run. He should be much better going right-handed and the addition of a hood can’t hurt either. Henry’s horses weren’t firing on all cylinders then but there have been since of a resurgence from the yard in recent days.

Deploy The Getaway won easily last month but I don't think he’ll have the speed to cope with Largy Debut and looks more like a chasing type for the future. We shouldn’t underestimate Slip Of The Tongue either as he was Grade 2 placed over Christmas and the yard had a nice winner yesterday. Supreme Jet won well at Punchestown last month and while also very capable, steps up in grade

LARGY DEBUT (WIN) written by Peter Keogh