Who To Follow On Day Three Of The Punchestown Festival 2023

James Mackie | @JMackieRacing

Trainer To Follow - Willie Mullins

The man to follow on the third day of the meeting is that man Willie Mullins again who started the festival with multiple winners and he can continue his good run on Thursday.

In the opening Handicap Hurdle he fields two runners with Figaroc and Feu Du Bresil both for owner Rich Ricci looking to land the opener.

The Handicap Chase that follows sees him have the favourite Dinoblue who has gone up in the handicap for a potentially fortunate win last time out, but she is the class act in the race.

In the first Grade One event of the afternoon Mullins holds a few big chances with Klassical Dream, Monkfish, Asterion Forlonge and Whatdeawant looking to land the Champion Stayers Hurdle.

The run of good horses running on the day doesn't stop there with the Grade B Handicap Hurdle seeing Mullins fields the likes of Parmenion, Seabank Bistro, Sir Argus and Haxo.

Mullins best chance on the third day comes in the Grade One Barberstown Castle Novice Chase and El Fabiolo is looking for his third Grade One of the season, but failing that Dysart Dynamo and Saint Roi should pick up the pieces.

Mullins then fields Pont Aval in the Mares Handicap Chase and in the bumper has a whole host of runners with Ballyburn looking his number one pick.

Jockey To Follow - Mark Walsh

Mark Walsh is one of the more experienced jockeys in Ireland and he has a nice book of rides on Thursday starting in the opener on last time out winner Golf Marin.

He then rides the favourite in the Grade B Handicap Chase with Dinoblue looking to make it back to back wins in Handicap company.

In the Grade One Champion Stayers Hurdle he gets the leg up again on Sire Du Berlais who is looking to land Grade Ones at the Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown festival in the same season.

At a bigger price 12 year old A Great View is looking to get back to form in the Handicap Hurdle and is now well handicapped on his old form.

Walsh then rides Saint Roi back at two miles having ran well at the Aintree festival behind Banbridge and then in the Mares Handicap Chase he has man aged to pick up the ride of Secret She Keeps.