SUNDAY WEEKENDER

14:50 Punchestown It was a very odd situation that racing fans found themselves in yesterday as terrestrial viewers witnessed five races over at Naas in Ireland but despite the current influenza outbreak most saw it as a welcome opportunity to showcase Irish racing and the same is applicable today. With the UK ban still in effect we just have Punchestown to tackle this afternoon and our NAP is set to lineup in the third race. Yesterday the well fancied Konitho flattered to prove punters correct but I wouldn’t dismiss the horses ability so readily. In a previous outing he beat Lethal Steps who lines up for trainer Gordon Elliott here. It’s rare to see the red Chevely Park silks in the National Hunt sphere but this lightly raced four year old looks to have a great chance. Although without a win in two starts the gelding looks likely to shake off his maiden tag here. With such a large field it’s going to be tough for our selection with a handful of rivals worth pinpointing. Castle Oliver and Young Ted represent powerhouse stables and as such it wouldn’t be a great shock to see either or both give our tip something to think about and at a much bigger price the lightly raced Dermot Weld entrant Dalton Highway did well on the flat and if they can translate that ability to hurdling may surprise a few at big odds. LETHAL STEPS (WIN) – NAP