February 19 / 16.55 Punchestown

16.55

Yielding To Soft

Up The Yard Challenge Race

  • Prize money: £52.21
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • 18 runners
RTV
View Course
Up The Yard Challenge Race

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 2210- D

Last run: 105 days

W: 12st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Had a mark of 81 when winning a 1m4f maiden at Thurles in October; leading claims here
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(12)

23rd Aug 2024

Good

1m 6f 80y

19:12 Killarney

The Very Man

9st 12lb

J: Scott McCullagh

T: Mrs John Harrington

slowly into stride, always behind

12/1

9th

2

19th Jul 2024

Good

2m 6f 180y

15:05 Killarney

The Very Man

11st 12lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Mrs John Harrington

Talented dual-purpose performer; cracking fifth in red-hot 2m4f Punchestown handicap on latest hurdles run.

7/1

12th

2

(9)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

18:05 Ascot

The Very Man

9st 11lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Very solid sequence last spring/summer on ground ranging from good (unraced on firmer) to heavy, including a dominant display from the back over 2m at this track; 7lb higher mark today demands a career-best Flat performance but he was bang there in blanket finish to a good handicap hurdle last month and it's not hard to think that this trip will suit.

25/1

Form: 0/086- D

Last run: 105 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Yet to score for Willie Mullins but solid efforts last autumn in two big handicaps
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(10)

28th Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

19:15 Curragh

Scaramanga

10st 0lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: W P Mullins

Five-time winner over hurdles, most memorably when winning the Grade 1 Iroquois Hurdle in America over 3m last year; not seen since down the field in the big amateur Flat handicap at Galway last summer; absence not normally a factor from this yard and Ryan Moore booked; contender.

10/1

13th

12

(10)

31st Jul 2023

Soft

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Scaramanga

11st 7lb

J: Miss J Townend

T: W P Mullins

Effectively campaigned, espacially over hurdles; fourth in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham before travelling to America to land the Grade 1 Iroquois Hurdle in May; should be effective off this mark and an intriguing runner here.

10/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Three-time chase winner and stays well; might find one or two too sharp but respected
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Gevrey

10st 5lb

J: Jake Coen

T: Gordon Elliott

Placed in the Plate here (2m4f, soft) two years ago and in Irish Grand National (3m5f, soft) a few weeks later but his form nosedived after Munster National success at Limerick (3m, soft) later in 2023; well beaten on last month's cross-country debut at Punchestown (race won by Vanillier) and arrives here with a lot to prove.

33/1

9th

3

3rd Feb 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 193y

13:00 Punchestown

Gevrey

11st 11lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Has lost his form since winning the Munster National at Limerick in October 2023; pulled up three times in a row subsequently and was beaten 55l on his return to action at Navan in November; switch to the banks needs to spark a revival.

16/1

9th

3

3rd Feb 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 193y

13:00 Punchestown

Gevrey

11st 11lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Gordon Elliott

Has lost his form since winning the Munster National at Limerick in October 2023; pulled up three times in a row subsequently and was beaten 55l on his return to action at Navan in November; switch to the banks needs to spark a revival.

16/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Winner over hurdles here in 2021; well beaten over fences since back after a year off
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

7th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 50y

15:08 Gowran Park

Junior Rattler

11st 11lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Oliver McKiernan

Gained his third hurdles win in a 3m handicap at Tipperary in May 2024; missed 2025; inadequate trip here on his first since late-2024.

20/1

18th

23

28th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 80y

15:05 Leopardstown

Junior Rattler

10st 0lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

Gained his third hurdles win in a 3m handicap at Tipperary in May; not far off his best when second over 2m4f at Cork on latest; 4lb out of handicap but respected as a possible each-way option.

16/1

18th

23

28th Dec 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 80y

15:05 Leopardstown

Junior Rattler

10st 0lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Oliver McKiernan

Gained his third hurdles win in a 3m handicap at Tipperary in May; not far off his best when second over 2m4f at Cork on latest; 4lb out of handicap but respected as a possible each-way option.

16/1

Form: 000/0/

Last run: 481 days

W: 12st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Moderate form this season; won a handicap off 70 for Andy Oliver in 2020; could go well
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

20th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 3

14:05 Market Rasen

Silvertown

11st 3lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Peter Atkinson

Ex-Irish 7yo who has not raced under rules since a down-the-field finish at last summer's Galway festival and is 0-8 in British points since December; difficult to enthuse over in a race this competitive.

50/1

14th

9

6th Aug 2023

Good

3m 0f 60y

14:20 Galway

Silvertown

11st 1lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Gavin Cromwell

Sole hurdles win came in 2m4f Navan handicap in 2022; mixing hurdles/chases of late without showing much; others preferred.

20/1

7th

3

20th Jul 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

18:00 Killarney

Silvertown

11st 13lb

J: Kieren Buckley

T: Gavin Cromwell

1-17 over hurdles, placed six times; has been competing over fences without showing much; others preferred.

16/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 0lb

12 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Winning hurdler-chaser and no less than a dozen point-to-points; others more likely though
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

13

19th Feb 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

16:55 Punchestown

Some Are Lucky

12st 0lb

J: Correna Bowe

T: S Curling

Winning hurdler-chaser and no less than a dozen point-to-points; others more likely though

33/1

14/1

Form: 3/60-

Last run: 149 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner over jumps but has struggled to find his best form; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

3rd Mar 2023

Good

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

15:10 Doncaster

Scheu Time

11st 7lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: J A Nash

Without a win since October 2020 and he struggled for form for the most part last year; however, he's well treated on past exploits and has travelled from Ireland to race today; one to watch in the betting.

14/1

7th

12

19th Feb 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

16:55 Punchestown

Scheu Time

12st 0lb

J: Lauren Hickey

T: J A Nash

Four-time winner over jumps but has struggled to find his best form; others preferred.

14/1

9th

4

29th Sep 2022

Good

2m 3f 198y

13:15 Clonmel

Scheu Time

11st 8lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: J A Nash

midfield, pushed along when mistake 3 out, soon weakened

8/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Little to recommend in two bumpers and a maiden hurdle; off for nine months
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

5th Mar 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:15 Wexford

Monty Don

11st 12lb

J: Mr R A Berry

T: Henry De Bromhead

in touch with leaders, headway disputing second after 3 out, pushed along and weakened before 2 out

7/2

8th

9

19th Feb 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

16:55 Punchestown

Monty Don

12st 0lb

J: John Ferguson

T: Henry De Bromhead

Little to recommend in two bumpers and a maiden hurdle; off for nine months

16/1

Form: 77/65-

Last run: 222 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 37

Form & Verdict
0-39 under all codes; rated just 37 on the Flat and that sums up his chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(5)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

19:58 Leopardstown

Patrick Joseph

9st 6lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: D Broad

Long standing dual-purpose maiden; best Flat form on AW; veteran is 0-26 on turf on the Flat; beaten 33l when last seen over 16.5f at Clonmel; lacks a recent run and hard to fancy.

50/1

13

(5)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

19:58 Leopardstown

Patrick Joseph

9st 6lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: D Broad

Long standing dual-purpose maiden; best Flat form on AW; veteran is 0-26 on turf on the Flat; beaten 33l when last seen over 16.5f at Clonmel; lacks a recent run and hard to fancy.

50/1

13th

13

(3)

5th Sep 2024

Good

2m 0f 144y

19:15 Clonmel

Patrick Joseph

10st 12lb

J: Miss R Hogan

T: D Broad

49-race maiden and well held in both runs this year.

50/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Handicap hurdle winner for Noel Meade; well beaten after a year off on his stable debut
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

15th Jun 2024

Good

2m 5f 180y

14:50 Downpatrick

Ben Thomson

11st 8lb

J: Mr J Kidd

T: John C McConnell

Sole win came in handicap hurdle in 2021; has struggled in five runs for this yard and off 290 days.

50/1

6th

13

30th Aug 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 90y

17:05 Bellewstown

Ben Thomson

10st 13lb

J: Thomas Reilly

T: John C McConnell

in touch with leaders

25/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Modest handicap hurdler-chaser and an unlikely scorer here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

4th Jul 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 14y

15:05 Tipperary

Esthers Marvel

10st 5lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: David Kenneth Budds

Goes well fresh and again shaped nicely on reappearance over hurdles at Kilbeggan; 6lb higher mark as a chaser and overall record is not the strongest (1-10), although has a nice pull with King Ferdinand for a 9.75l defeat last October, so far from ignored.

16/1

5th

14

19th Jun 2023

Good

3m 0f 100y

17:43 Kilbeggan

Esthers Marvel

10st 13lb

J: Mark McDonagh

T: David Kenneth Budds

Is 1-28 over hurdles; hit the frame in a couple of starts this winter but lost her way subsequently; can go well fresh so not ruled out despite 130-day absence.

50/1

11th

16

19th Feb 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

16:55 Punchestown

Esthers Marvel

11st 12lb

J: Tessa Condon

T: David Kenneth Budds

Modest handicap hurdler-chaser and an unlikely scorer here.

66/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Point winner but modest track form; hard to fancy here
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 4

17:47 Fontwell

Autumn Philtre

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Paddy Butler

Sole win was in a point in 2022 and he's struggled over hurdles (2m5f) and fences (3m1f, both on good) for new yard this year; 9lb out of the weights here and can only be watched.

40/1

9

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 4

17:47 Fontwell

Autumn Philtre

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Paddy Butler

Sole win was in a point in 2022 and he's struggled over hurdles (2m5f) and fences (3m1f, both on good) for new yard this year; 9lb out of the weights here and can only be watched.

40/1

4th

4

3rd Apr 2025

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 5

15:40 Plumpton

Autumn Philtre

10st 13lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Paddy Butler

towards rear, briefly went third 8th, reminders 13th, weakened 3 out

33/1

25/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second in a valuable handicap chase at Cork in October; likely to find a few too speedy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

6th Mar 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 7f 136y

16:00 Thurles

Turbo

11st 7lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: J R Finn

led, headed and prominent after 2nd, lost ground quickly and slipped up after 2 out

14/1

5th

6

6th Feb 2025

Good

2m 0f 4y

14:00 Thurles

Turbo

11st 3lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: J R Finn

prominent, went second before 4th, weakened approaching last, no extra when slightly hampered last

6/1

5th

6

6th Feb 2025

Good

2m 0f 4y

14:00 Thurles

Turbo

11st 3lb

J: Kevin Sexton

T: J R Finn

prominent, went second before 4th, weakened approaching last, no extra when slightly hampered last

6/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 12st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Point-to-point and hunter chase winner; no impression in points this winter; little appeal
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

30th Apr 2024

Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Michaels Pick

11st 12lb

J: Mr M J Love

T: Ciaran Murphy

Hunter chase winner in 2022; modest overall record (1-27 under rules, 2-24 in points); however, has often run well over this course, notably when second in the 4m2f La Touche in 2021; remote fifth in this race 12 months ago, but much better when third in the La Touche two days later; has struggled in points this term.

20/1

Form: 07-868

Last run: 24 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Seventh in the 2019 Derby for John Gosden; not at that level now but a fascinating runner
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

7

(16)

12th Apr 2024

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:45 Dundalk (AW)

Humanitarian

9st 5lb

J: Ben Coen

T: R P Burns

Two wins over longer distances in Britain came some time ago; mildly encouraging run on latest off reduced mark but fair bit more needed on first run for new yard.

10/1

12th

7

(16)

12th Apr 2024

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:45 Dundalk (AW)

Humanitarian

9st 5lb

J: Ben Coen

T: R P Burns

Two wins over longer distances in Britain came some time ago; mildly encouraging run on latest off reduced mark but fair bit more needed on first run for new yard.

10/1

5th

9

(7)

12th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

18:15 Dundalk (AW)

Humanitarian

9st 6lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: John Joseph Hanlon

took keen hold, towards rear, headway over 1f out, switched left inside final furlong, kept on towards finish, not reach leaders

16/1

Form: 330/0-

Last run: 81 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Showed some ability for the Coles but soundly beaten in two starts for this stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

12

2nd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 2f 152y

16:25 Clonmel

Wantage

11st 4lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Minor placed form on the Flat in Britain; struggled in a Dundalk run in November; completely tailed off on hurdling debut at Naas.

66/1

16th

15

19th Feb 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

16:55 Punchestown

Wantage

12st 0lb

J: Patrick Murray

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Showed some ability for the Coles but soundly beaten in two starts for this stable.

20/1

20th

21

20th Dec 2022

Yielding To Soft

2m 2f 183y

13:35 Naas

Wantage

11st 7lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Minor placed form for Paul and Oliver Cole; never a threat at Dundalk on Irish debut.

16/1

Form: 4258-7

Last run: 9 days

W: 12st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(11)

26th Aug 2025

Yielding

0m 7f 195y

16:55 Bellewstown

Leabaland

9st 1lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: M M Lynch

AW winner and last of two turf wins came in May 2022 off 58; okay runs of late over 1m1f, not one to rule out with talented rider's claim and drop back to 1m to suit.

8/1

11

(5)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 1f 110y

17:07 Gowran Park

Leabaland

9st 3lb

J: Dylan O’Connor

T: M M Lynch

AW winner and last of two turf wins came over C&D in May 2022 off 58; definite promise in recent Leopardstown flat return so worth consideration.

7/1

5th

15

(19)

10th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 0y

19:55 Leopardstown

Leabaland

9st 3lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: M M Lynch

AW winner with two wins on turf; last win came at Gowran in 2022 (1m1f, good); returned from a 297-day absence when beaten 27l in a maiden hurdle in May; best watched.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 5/

Last run: 600 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

22nd Nov 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 110y

12:47 Tipperary

Joeswayornoway

11st 2lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: E Sheehy

Two wins from 46 starts; ran okay in a mares handicap at Gowran two weeks ago; chance on her best form.

16/1

15

22nd Nov 2024

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 110y

12:47 Tipperary

Joeswayornoway

11st 2lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: E Sheehy

Two wins from 46 starts; ran okay in a mares handicap at Gowran two weeks ago; chance on her best form.

16/1

6th

8

9th Nov 2024

Yielding

2m 3f 180y

15:22 Gowran Park

Joeswayornoway

11st 4lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: E Sheehy

No wins over hurdles since 2021 and unseated over fences here last month; wasn't disgraced on previous hurdles start in August and down to a good mark but others are more convincing.

20/1

Non-runners

Leabaland, Joeswayornoway

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast €5.51

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Scaramanga

POSTDATA:

Scaramanga

The Irish Sun:

Scaramanga