Punchestown Horse Racing Tips: Time to appreciate a 33/1 Mullins double on Tuesday

• Big handicap in Ireland for first leg

• Another chance to Appreciate It

• One race an Extra Place Special today

Merlin looks a magic selection for handicap honours

Back Merlin Giant @ 5/1 in the 16:50 at Punchestown

I'll be looking to Punchestown to provide some profit this week, and the double will solely focus on Ireland for the next five days, so here's to a good start on day one.

I've put up Merlin Giant in today's Daily Racing News column, and am very keen on his chances in the big handicap hurdle of the day at 16:50.

In terms of his price, he's a point bigger than Tekao at 6/1, and Tekao does have a question mark after his flop in the Fred Winter, although Willie Mullins does have a knack of getting them to bounce back on the big stage.

Merlin Giant looked ever so good last time when winning a big pot at Fairyhouse in the winter, and he had a bit in hand in Grade A company on that occasion as I thought he travelled ever so well.

The handicapper as had a to say with a big swipe up to 140, but he looks the sort of horse who can mix it, not only off this mark, but in the big fields.

He had the 140-rated Icare Allen 7L behind in third, and the pace was strong, so there's no knocking the form.

Racing.. Only Bettor - Watch Here!

Appreciate could be better over 3m

Back Appreciate It @ 7/2 in the 18:35 at Punchestown

I've had plenty of previous with Appreciate It, and I backed him at Cheltenham for the Turners - a race where Paul Townend in my opinion got the tactics wrong. Stage Star was gifted the lead, and it seemed Townend had ignored the front-runner and had the horse - who was ridden for a turn of pace, in the wrong position.

I'd love to see him bounce out and make the running, and force the issue with his stamina, and perhaps the 2m4f last time at Fairyhouse was a trip too short at this stage of his career.

He finished second in the Champion Bumper in 2020 - and that is a race that produces strong stayers.

Stepping up to 3m could see him in a better light, and while it's easy to say his best days are behind him, I won't give up on him just yet.