Timeform pick out three bets from Punchestown on Saturday afternoon.
William du Berlais - 15:05 Punchestown
Futuramic is respected back over hurdles but his spell over fences didn't elicit a win. One horse who knows all about winning is the progressive William du Berlais, who won his maiden at Kilbeggan in August and then shaped encouragingly when third on his handicap debut at the same venue a month later. He quickly bounced back into the winners' enclosure when landing a 14-runner handicap at Fairyhouse last time by a head from Old Castletown, finding plenty to lead in the dying strides. He is still unexposed and can win again. First to Boogie and Moonlone Lane are respected.
Identity Thief - 15:35 Punchestown
Identity Thief, trained by Henry de Bromhead and owned by Gigginstown Stud, proved himself to be a very smart hurdler last season, winning the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle and then back to his best when one and a quarter lengths second to Vroum Vroum Mag in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle when last seen. An uncomplicated ride, he usually races prominently and has the potential to not only get his rivals here in trouble from an early stage, but also to go to the very top over fences. This is no penalty kick, with his stablemate Attribution capable of better, but it's a race Identity Thief should win.
Stonehall Jack - 16:45 Punchestown
Stonehall Jack won at Kilbeggan in August and produced a creditable effort when fourth over the same C&D the following month. He was below form at Clonmel next time out but bounced back with a career-best when second to Cecil Corbett at Punchestown last time, coming nicely clear of the rest. Myles Ahead could get an easy lead and would be a major player if back to his best, while Final Gift is edging back down to a fair handicap mark.
Timeform Irish SmartPlays:
(All from Punchestown)
Win back William du Berlais in the 15:05 at Punchestown
Win back Identity Thief in the 15:35 at Punchestown
Win back Stonehall Jack in the 16:45 at Punchestown
