Preview: Punchestown Wednesday action

Punchestown's high-class card starts at 1.15 with a mouthwatering clash in the Tote Sports Lounge Novice Hurdle.

The two-mile event may have attracted a field of only four, but two of the protagonists already feature prominently in Cheltenham lists.

Champion Bumper runner-up Some Present made a successful start to his jumping career here recently, while fellow exciting prospect Sweeps Hill made no mistake on his introduction to obstacles at Tipperary.

Whatever the outcome, both should be followed for the remainder of the season.

Shinrock Paddy's only defeat to date came in that Cheltenham Bumper and he begins life over timber in the Punchestown Event Centre Maiden Hurdle.

A winner between the flags, he should know his job and a clear round would probably prove good enough against rivals of this calibre.

Ballymak also made a name for himself in the pointing field and made a smooth transition under Rules at Down Royal in February.

He heads the runners for the Thoroughbred Trail Weekend Maiden Hurdle and it will be disappointing if he can't test Danderry, who is becoming costly to follow.

On most cards at this time of the year Jered's fencing debut would take centre stage, and all eyes will be on Noel Meade's seven-year-old in the Dobbins Panoramic Restaurant Beginners Chase.

He struggled in his second season over hurdles, but his class cannot be questioned and he is one of the better recruits to this sphere this season.

The Wandering Man broke his jumps duck when last seen and has earned top-weight for the Punchestown Active Retirement Handicap Hurdle for his runs behind the likes of Forpadydeplasterer and Made In Taipan previously.

The punchestown.com For Offers Handicap Chase gives Lady In The Mist an opportunity to atone for her last-start tumble, while the well-regarded For Bill faces her stiffest test to date in the Thoroughbred County Mares INH Flat Race.