Friday Racing Tips: Policeman to stamp authority over Punchestown rivals

Flat racing holds sway across Britain and Ireland on Friday, with four of the six meetings taking place across the afternoon and into the evening coming in that sphere, but I will continue to focus on another brilliant jumps card at Punchestown.

Among my Friday racing tips is one for trainer Willie Mullins who should win the Listed Handicap Chase despite having the burden of top weight.

16:15 Punchestown - Mister Policeman @ 3/1

Willie Mullins has won the 2m4½f Listed EMS Copiers Novice Handicap Chase seven times in the last eight renewals, and of his trio in this year's edition, MISTER POLICEMAN is by far the most likely winner with Paul Townend booked for the ride.

The six-year-old has come a long way since beating the reopposing stablemate Feu Du Bresil in a 2m½f beginners' chase at Fairyhouse in November. That bare form alone could make Feu Du Bresil a spot of value given he has a 19-length pull in the weights with him for a half-length beating.

Nonetheless, Mister Policeman is a much more polished performer now. Despite disappointing when third to Quilixios in a 2m novice chase at Naas in January, he bolted up when seeing off the reopposing Arctic Bresil at this track a month later, and looked even better when winning a Grade 3 over 2m2f at Thurles when last seen.

17:25 Punchestown - Famous Clermont @ 11/2

The Brits are no strangers to success in the 3m½f Event Power Champion Hunters' Chase. Rose Loxton won the race with Caid Du Berlais in 2018 and 2019, then Paul Nicholls made a successful raid with Bob And Co in 2021.

Chris Barber is responsible for the sole British raider in this year's contest, FAMOUS CLERMONT, with James King taking the ride on the nine-year-old who has very strong claims in what should be a cracking race.

He cruised into contention in last season's Foxhunters at the Cheltenham Festival but didn't see out the trip and weakened badly coming up the hill to finish sixth. Aintree a month later was a different story as he dotted up on a flatter track back down in trip. He has been saved for this and should go very well.

19:05 Punchestown - Billericay Dickie @ 11/1

Anotherway is likely to be overbet here as he is Paul Townend's choice, but stablemate BILLERICAY DICKIE has solid claims in the 2m Uniquely Novice Hurdle under Danny Mullins.

A winner on the Flat on decent ground when trained in France, he impressed on debut for Willie Mullins when readily winning a 2m4f maiden hurdle at this track in January.

He disappointed at Ayr two weeks ago under Patrick Mullins, but is worth another chance. Interestingly Danny chose to ride him over stablemate Tounsivator who, on paper, has solid claims too, suggesting he is well-regarded amongst the Mullins crowd.