The Mandarin’s Sunday Selections for 18th February 2024

The Mandarin’s Sunday Selections from Punchestown

Concept Colours Rated Novice Chase 1.35
Mister Policeman
This looks a pretty weak race for the grade, so the chance is taken on Mister Policeman to double the tally over fences. He won first time out at Fairyhouse in a Beginners Chase, but struggled to get into a good rhythm when up against the smart Quilixios at Naas last month. If Mister Policeman doesn’t improve from that last run, then Henry de Bromhead’s Arctic Bresil will be waiting in the wings

QuinnBet Beginners Chase 2.05
Senior Chief (nap)
Senior Chief couldn’t stay with the useful Minella Cocooner at Navan last time out, but sets the standard here. At home in ground this deep, Senior Chief has this trip in his range and will just need to keep tabs on Willie Mullins’s Klarc Kent, who should come on for a very average run in that same race, falling two out. Senior Chief to get off the mark over fences at the third time of asking

QuinnBet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Listed) 2.35
We’llhavewan Win
Champagne Platinum Each Way
It is going to be hard work around Punchestown in this going over 27 furlongs, but We’llhavewan looks well weighted to win. He scored over hurdles back in December at Navan, and gets to exploit a favourable mark over fences here. Enda Bolger’s Champagne Platinum looks super value as an each-way angle, but for win purposes, We’llhavewan is sure to go close for Willie Mullins

Madigan Group Irish EBF Sheila Bourke Novice Hurdle (Listed) 3.05
Tullyhill (nb)
Tullyhill won very cosily at Naas last month at a long odds-on price, and further progress is expected here for some Black Type in the form book. This Martaline gelding had things fairly easy in that Maiden Hurdle, but is sure to get some competition for a lead this time around from Edward O’Grady’s No Flies On Him, who won with a bit to spare on his hurdling debut at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day. Boldog has made the move to Joseph O’Brien’s yard and duly obliged at Tramore, so this is the one-two-three with Tullyhill leading them home

David Trundley Artist At Punchestown Novice Handicap Hurdle 4.10
Buachaillbocht
Ted Walsh will be hoping that his progressive Blue Bresil gelding can land his third win over hurdles here. He won on this track last month, showing plenty for pressure on the run-in, and should be right on the money once more. No poor boy Buachaillbocht, and every chance of scoring again

The Mandarin