Horse Racing Tips: Katie Midwinter's best bets on Thursday including 40/1 Punchestown Festival fancy

Punchestown, 16:15 - Back Minella Sixo E/W @ 33/134.00

Minella Sixo underperformed at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen but could fare better on this occasion, having proven he still retains plenty of ability in his penultimate start at Naas. He improved plenty on his previous efforts this season to be narrowly denied by Melbourne Shamrock in a qualifier for the final at Prestbury Park, and is only 3lb higher than in that outing, capable of posing a threat from a workable mark here.

The dual winner over hurdles is still unexposed in handicaps and could be capable of progressing beyond his current mark. His latest run may be worth forgiving and he could reward the faith, appearing on a handy mark for Gordon Elliott under Jack Kennedy.

Punchestown, 16:15 -Back Ballybow E/W @ 40/141.00

Another Cullentra representative to consider in the race is Ballybow, who hasn't quite fired over fences so far this term. He's rated 10lb higher over hurdles currently, but is potentially well treated at the weights on this pick of his form.

Last season, he landed Grade Three glory over Ballygunner Castle at Clonmel, following a convincing win in maiden company at Naas where he beat Kalix Delabarriere by nine-lengths. He hasn't been able to replicate that level of performance over the larger obstacles but a return to hurdling could see him to better effect and reignite the spark that has been missing this term.

Still only a seven-year-old making his 13th start, it's too early to give up on the son of Flemensfirth who could get his career back on track in this staying handicap hurdle under Danny Gilligan.

Punchestown, 16:50 - Back Dont Go Yet E/W @ 40/141.00

Twelve-year-old veteran Dont Go Yet recorded his third career success in his penultimate start at Wexford, winning convincingly by six-and-a-half-lengths over hurdles under 7lb claiming Sarah Kavanagh, who returns in the saddle. He finished third in his subsequent run over fences, showing he still retains plenty of ability, and, from a 1lb lower mark, could be capable of putting in a competitive effort in this handicap.

Dont Go Yet put in an excellent effort to finish second at odds of 33/134.00 in the race last year, beaten only by Petit Tonnerre, and is 7lb lower rated this time around with extra weight taken off by the rider. Although he's a year older and in the twilight of his racing career, he hasn't been overly raced and is still capable of posing a threat against tough opposition.

With previous form in the race off the back of a couple of promising efforts, the Edward Cawley-trained representative could be worth keeping onside and may be able to replicate last year's effort or go one better this time around from a lower mark.

Punchestown, 16:50 - Back Golden Joy E/W @ 20/121.00

Gordon Elliott-trained Golden Joy is another to consider in this competitive handicap having finished a good second to Jacob's Ladder when equipped with a first-time visor at Leopardstown when last seen. He remains on the same mark of 130 here and makes each-way appeal under Danny Gilligan, still unexposed in only his seventh chasing start.

The lightly raced seven-year-old has the scope for further progression and appears potentially well treated at the weights, capable of making his presence felt with a favourable trip. There could be further improvement to come from Golden Joy and he warrants consideration for team Cullentra as he bids for a third career win.

Punchestown, 18:05 - Back Jetara E/W @ 40/141.00

Eight-year-old mare Jetara has plenty to find on current ratings and form with the main market principles, but is in receipt of the mares' allowance and could outrun her odds if able to return to the best of her ability.

Last season, she finished third in the Liverpool Hurdle to Hiddenvalley Lake before placing in this contest when sent off at odds of 6/17.00.

Although she comes into this race in poorer form, she has shown to possess the ability to be competitive at the highest level in the past and therefore cannot be discounted at huge odds for Jessica Harrington.

With form in the last year's renewal of this contest, the daughter of Walk In The Park warrants each-way consideration at the prices under Sam Ewing, and could be suited by the return to this venue where she has form figures of 123 over obstacles, including a runner-up effort behind Ballyburn.

Southwell, 19:00 - Back Sunriseontheboyne E/W @ 35/136.00

Dropping back down in class on an all-weather surface, also dropping in trip back to 7f, Sunriseontheboyne could be capable of a better showing than in his latest run. He wasn't seen to best effect against tough opposition when last seen, but is now on a 4lb lower mark of 79, which could allow him to put in a more competitive effort.

The four-year-old was a five-length winner from a 3lb lower mark in his final start for Michael Mulvany last season before a switch to the Ben Haslam yard. He is on a rating from which he can pose a threat if on a going day and if able to return to the force of old, and this different challenge could suit.

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