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Punchestown 14:48

Race 5 Matchbook 50:50 Graduation Series Maiden Hurdle (2m 3f 73y)

12th Jan 26

Horse
Kimi De Mai
Jockey
Paul Townend
Trainer
W P Mullins
Let's kick off our chat with today's favourite, Kimi De Mai, running in the Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown. Scheduled for a 14:48 start, this 6-year-old mare certainly has some appeal, being associated with top trainer W P Mullins and the skilled jockey Paul Townend. Despite her live price sitting at a short 1.62, her lack of victories in previous outings doesn't spark massive confidence, but the trainer-jockey combo's strike rate is not something to casually swipe aside either. Neither horse nor jockey has lit up the track recently in terms of wins, so it's a bit of a gamble relying on past reputation to carry the day here. Shifting gears, let's talk Shabby Hill, with odds standing at a long 15. While the 7-year-old gelding doesn't boast impressive recent form, he's teamed up with jockey Philip Byrnes and trainer C Byrnes. This horse has seen the course a few times without hitting the front of the pack, making those long odds look just about right. The jockey and trainer have had a quiet time lately with minimal wins, which might explain the hesitation from punters to back Shabby Hill more confidently. Lastly, there's Lord Tobin, priced at 6.5, also running under soft conditions, just like the others. Trained by G Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, this 5-year-old gelding might just stir things up. With a decent level of activity from the team around him and some moderate success in recent races, Lord Tobin stands as a dark horse (pun intended) in this race. This team shows a bit more promise with recent performances, so might be worth a tickle for those looking for a value bet. And there you have it! While Kimi De Mai stands out based on the strength of her connections rather than her track record, both Shabby Hill and Lord Tobin offer interesting alternatives at more tempting prices. Why not have a flutter on one of them and keep things interesting? Best of luck, punters – remember, always bet responsibly!
Article prices indicative and correct at 3:15 am on 12th January 2026

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Course SR 26.17% (from last 386 races)

Course & Distance SR 20.34% (from last 59 races)

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