Caroline’s Sunday Selections for 15th February 2026

Caroline’s Sunday Selections from Punchestown

Concept Colours Noel Byrne Memorial Rated Novice Chase 1.30
Pure Steel (nb)
James Joseph Mangan’s Pure Steel didn’t seem to see out the 2 & 1/2 mile trip here the last day, so coming back to 2 miles here is a help. I did think that was an uncharacteristic run, considering how he’d been progressing over fences, so I’ll take the chance that it was just the trip and one bit of poor jumping that can excuse him. It was quite a strong Grade 3, with Kappa Jy Pyke leading home Jacob’s Ladder, form which has since been franked at the Dublin Racing Festival, so this does look s bit easier to me. Gordon Elliott’s Relieved Of Duties would be the big threat on better ground, so Paul Nolan’s I Am Lorenzo rates the danger, but Pure Steel should be winning this.

1xbet.ie Beginners Chase 2.00
Soldier In Milan
I think that I’ll take my chance with Emmet Mullins’ Soldier In Milan for this Beginners Chase. The market has been telling us that Willie Mullins’ Kiss Will is the one to follow, but he’s yet to fire over fences for me, though maybe his time will come soon. However, Soldier In Milan ran very well for a long way the last day, before an error three out cost him some momentum and he finished a one-paced fourth of nine, though still within a 1/2 length of C’est Ta Chance. Given that Soldier Of Fortune made most of the running in that Gowran Park contest, I do think he deserves a win, with Kiss Will yet to find his way over fences.

1xbet.ie Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Listed) 2.30
The Lovely Man
I do think that this race looks set up for Gavin Cromwell’s The Lovely Man, who will be just fine in this deep ground. Now then, he carried 11st8lbs well to win at Gowran Park over hurdles the last day, and although this is a harder race back chasing, his win over fences at Navan on soft ground gives me the confidence he will see this one out. Gordon Elliott has a fine recent record in this race, so Lucky Lyreen, Patter Merchant & Prends Garde A Toi all have to be worth a second look, but Lucky Lyreen might not want this trip on this heavy ground, whereas Prends Garde A Toi will be happy enough splashing through the mud and rates the best the Cullentra yard has to offer, albeit from top weight. The Lovely Man must be the one to follow, and that’s where my money’s going.

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Sheila Bourke Novice Hurdle (Listed) 3.00
Lazare De Star (nap)
To be sure, the rematch between Lazare De Star and Zeus Power will be closely watched, with Zeus Power coming out best the last day, but I reckon the tables will turn. I did think the race was set up for Zeus Power, when JJ Slevin made a well-timed late surge, but now with John McConnell’s Heads Up in this race, I would be thinking that Jack Kennedy would be riding Lazare De Star with more caution. Heads Up also got a bit free when fifth in a Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, so this drop back to 2 miles should allow Danny Mullins a bit more rein if that’s the way Heads Up needs to run, especially with this drop in class. Lazare De Star to reverse fortunes with Zeus Power, and let Heads Up set the pace before making the most of these conditions to score under the brilliant Jack Kennedy.

EVAD Technology Group Maiden Hurdle 3.32
Panjandrum
I’ve got this Maiden down to a battle between Dani Donadoni and Panjandrum. I’m thinking that Panjandrum can only come on for his hurdles debut, which did leave questions unanswered, but Gordon Elliott has a good record in this contest, so I’ll be expecting Panjandrum leave the performance the last day well behind. Now, Willie Mullins has got plenty of depth in his yard coming through, so Dani Donadoni must be given some respect, but to my mind must bounce back a little from the last run at Leopardstown, finding nothing extra from the last. Pajandrum to improve from his last run and score for Gordon Elliott.

David Trundley Artist At Punchestown Novice Handicap Hurdle 4.02
Nettuno Italia
I do reckon that Nettuno Italia can double up here at Punchestown, with Danny Gilligan back on board to do much the same as the last day. He was not stretched in that 22 furlong trip, and to my mind did relish that deep ground, so I’ll be hoping for a repeat performance in this harder contest. Willie Mullins’ Gorvitho and Charles Byrnes’ From The Ashes must be considered, but I’ll think that Nettuno Italia will move better through this ground than any of them.