Sunday Racing Tips: Elliott to continue Grand National Trial domination at Punchestown

Jump racing holds sway across Britain and Ireland on Sunday with four meetings taking place across the afternoon and into the evening. 

First off is Punchestown, before they go to post at Musselburgh, Southwell and Kempton Park. 

Amongst our Sunday fancies is one for trainer Gordon Elliott who has won four of the last six runnings of the Listed Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Punchestown.  

14:35 Punchestown - Where It All Began @ 10/1  

The 3m3f Listed Grand National Trial Handicap Chase is a competitive affair and it will be interesting to see how former Grand National runner-up Any Second Now fares for trainer Ted Walsh. 

Despite carrying top weight, he ran off 167 at Aintree in April and can race off just 144 now in Ireland. He has won his race before going to Aintree three times on the trot so he's not to be underestimated despite his age. 

Gordon Elliott has won four of the last six renewals of the race and Jack Kennedy has opted to ride WHERE IT ALL BEGAN, an eight-year-old who could be lurking off a favourable mark of 123. 

He travelled well for a long way when outpaced by Intense Raffles at Fairyhouse in January, settling for second, but this step up in trip should be far more suitable. 

A half-brother to National Hunt Chase winner Rathvinden, this stamina test could bring out a lot of improvement. 

15:40 Punchestown - Syracus Du Houx @ 16/1  

Willie Mullins' Paggane has disappointed thus far but could go off a short enough price for the 2m4f maiden hurdle, which could leave the door for a bet on an outsider. 

Oliver McKiernan's SYRACUS DU HOUX shaped very well on both outings thus far, and he could be the answer. 

The son of Al Namix placed on both starts in points and led for a long way when only finding subsequent Grade 3 winner What's Up Darling too strong in a Tipperary bumper last May. 

The form of the selection's sole hurdle start also looks very strong. Fifth over 2m at Naas in November, he finished behind subsequent Grade 2 winner Slade Steel, who also chased home Ballyburn in a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival. 

16:40 Punchestown - Sounds Victorius @ 4/7  

Always back Willie Mullins in the bumper they say and that saying could ring through once again as his son Patrick can ride SOUNDS VICTORIUS to victory in the Punchestown finale. 

The son of Champs Elysees ran a potentially very smart one from the Gordon Elliott stable close on his debut at Leopardstown in December, rallying all the way to the line. 

On that evidence, he will enjoy the soft conditions once again and given the pair pulled 48 lengths clear of the remaining horses on the day, it could turn out that they are two seriously good horses.