Thursday Tips at Punchestown – Dan James Racing

This is last year's winner, and I’m confident he can get back to winning ways here. He travelled like the winner at Cheltenham before Bob Olinger found more under pressure late on. Teahupoo drops 1lb in the weights, and Sam Ewing — a jockey I rate highly — takes over the ride. If delivered earlier this time, he can cap off a frustrating season with a well-deserved victory.

Only By Night missed Aintree after the ground turned against him, but his previous run at Cheltenham was excellent — travelling strongly and finishing second when he arguably should have won. Majborough, who was third that day, reappears here as a 4/9 shot, but looks vulnerable. I know the Cromwell team think highly of Only By Night, and with natural progression, he can overturn the form.

Sean Bowen continues to shine, riding at a sensational 45% strike rate over the last two weeks. He crosses to Ireland for three rides on Thursday, and Keep Running looks his best chance.

The horse has been in fine form, with two wins and a second from his last three outings. The step back in trip holds no fears, and this is the trainer’s only runner on the card. In a wide-open handicap, he’s a major player at a nice price.