Big guns seek Star billing
Thursday, 16 October 2008 10:35The new National Hunt season steps up a gear with a Punchestown card which kicks off at 2.45.
The Star 'Best For Racing Coverage' Chase is the scene of a mouthwatering clash between former Gold Cup heroes War Of Attrition and Kicking King.
War Of Attrition returns from almost two years on the sidelines, but beat Kicking King in the 2005 renewal of this and has time on his side at the age of nine. Connections will be hoping he can recapture his old sparkle.
His rival is another who has been beset by injuries and hit the deck on his return at Gowran recently.
That third-fence spill shouldn't have taken too much out of him, while Watson Lake is another on the comeback trail and is a class act at his peak.
The feature is ably supported by the Buck House Novice Chase, a race which would take centre stage on any other card at this time of year.
Kalderon bids to make it three from three over the larger obstacles, but the event is most interesting for the reappearance of Trafford Lad.
A Grade One winner during an excellent novice hurdle campaign last term, he is expected to take high rank in this sphere during the winter months.
Made In Taipan was no match for Champion Hurdle candidate Jered on his last couple of outings but meets nothing of that ilk in the Listed Ryan's Cleaning Events Specialists Hurdle.
Dariak and Coolcashin have a fitness edge, but lack the class of Tom Mullins' six-year-old.
The progressive Oscar Rebel went from strength to strength last season and returns to the fray as the class act of the Total Event Rental (Mares Hurdle), while Drumconvis and Shazand are notable newcomers to fences and the latter is of particular interest
with a small age allowance in the
