Much to ponder in Florida Pearl Chase

Siegemaster and Trafford Lad go head-to-head in what looks a fascinating renewal of the A Space Cabins Florida Pearl Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Siegemaster, who finished fourth in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, signalled he would be a force to be reckoned with among the staying novice chasers when
winning by a distance on heavy ground at Thurles last time.

Trafford Lad, who took even higher rank over hurdles and was third in the Ballymore Properties at Cheltenham, needed the intervention of the stewards to score on his chasing debut after going down by a short head to Rare Bob at Punchestown last month. He will appreciate the step up in trip.

A lot more should be heard about these two as the season progresses, and if they don't produce the goods in the Grade Three contest, the likes of Parsons Pistol and Rebel Chief will be around to pick up the pieces.

Old favourite Never Compromise goes for a third consecutive victory in the the unique banks course and again comes up against Heads Onthe Ground.

These two have fought out the finish in the last two runnings and they're not getting any younger, with Never Compromise not far off becoming a 14-year-old. The 2007 Cheltenham Foxhunter winner Drombeag certainly adds spice.

The Fist Of God got his head in front at the third time of asking last time out and goes for a follow-up in the Irish Field 3-Y-0 Hurdle.

His half-length Down Royal victory over Tharawaat was a marked improvement and gives him a first-rate chance of reversing his narrow defeat by Tellhimnow at Roscommon in August. Heavy-ground Thurles winner Grand Fella is also in the mix.

Bob Lingo was an impressive course-and-distance winner last time and sets the standard in the Pat Neville & Sons Ltd Hurdle.

His 27-length victory over Dan Dare looks even better after the
runner-up's subsequent success at Fairyhouse and he should take all the beating, with Charlie Yardbird, Lenabane and Freds Benefit among those who could capitalise