Three to look for at the midway point of Punchestown

The veterans clash once again

Flip a coin time once again when it comes to deciding which horse to take on for today's big one on day three of Punchestown. We've seen some favourites fall by the wayside, while for some punters there's been good value to be had in some of the longer shots at each way this week. Un De Sceaux for many will be the highlight of the entire week and we have to admit that we're as intrigued as ever by another battle of Hurricane Fly and Jezki.

Three.ie Handicap Chase 16.15

One of AP McCoy's last ever rides was on board Ned Buntline at Aintree, where the now retired jockey was unseated. That doesn't fill us with confidence for this race but we'll give him the benefit of the doubt this time. USA is a novice that takes our fancy after a recent impressive win at Tipperary, but the going may have a huge bearing on what way the horse lines up. Upazo was a winner last time out and with that beginners chase at Fairyhouse win under the belt should prove a good value punt. Dick Dundee is a horse that really should be amounting to so much more that just potential, and showed glimpses of form at Cheltenham while Grey Gold is a horse that could surprise depending on the going. In a very difficult field to try and narrow down, Paul Carberry should be full of the joys of life after Tuesday's Gold Cup win and we think he will bring home the win on Ned Buntline.

Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle 17.30

Have two horses ever captured the imagination like Hurricane Fly and Jezki? What might set this battle apart from the many previous meetings is the distance, with both horses making a debut on three miles. The Fly beat his great rival in the Champion Hurdle but the older legs will surely have to start to wane at some stage, with Jezki the seemingly fresher horse after an impressive run at Aintree in the Hurdle. Mullins has two other options in Zaidpour and Thousand Stars, but we don't expect ether to feature in the places. Harrington of course has Jetson to feature but the defending champion has been poor at recent outings in Cheltenham and Aintree and we think he will fail to hold onto his crown. Gigginstown is in good form and Lieutenant Colonel might have a very good chance but the withdrawal of Dedigout robs the yard of one of the more promising runners for this evening Head on the block time and the long trip of three miles may fade both Hurricane Fly and Jezki, but the younger horse should have the stamina to close the gap in the head-to-head rivalry. Ruby Walsh has eeked every single drop out of the Fly over the years, but today's action may prove a mile too far for the 22-time Grade One winner.

Ryanair Novice Chase 1840

We may not have got too many predictions right so far but we would be an absolute fool to go against Un De Sceaux for the second feature of Thursday's action. He's only one loss to his name in 12 starts and that was after a fall at Thurles. The best we can do here is to give advice on who will come behind and not a close second or third either. Henry De Bromhead's Smashing is a tasty little horse and had a good ride at Fairyhouse so should at least be among the challengers. Just Cameron is also a fine horse and if it wasn't up agsint Mullins' mount then it would be a contender while we also like the look of Melodic Rendezvous from the UK.   If your interested in a flutter then all the prices are right here