The Punchestown December weekend of racing gets underway on Saturday. 18 face the starter for the beginners chase and in what looks very competitive contest Down Royal runner-up Killultagh Thunder is taken to open his account over the larger obstacles. He finished second to Intelligent over a similar trip on that occasion but with the benefit of that race under his belt, can go one place better here.
The Ruby's Double Handicap Chase has the smallest field of the session with just 10 going to post and here Sue Brammall's Art Stones may be the solution to find the winners enclosure. Sharp Act which finished runner-up to Over The First at Clonmel last time is sure to have his supporters in the two mile handicap hurdle but Jolly Moonbeam, a faller last time, can get back on the winning trail for Michael Hourigan.
A maximum field of 25 go to post for the opener and Limerick bumper winner Poulakerry can come out on top at the expense of useful flat campaigners Mr Houdini and Quality Team.
The John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase takes centre stage on Sunday. The race has only attracted five runners, but it is a quality field. Former Gold Cup favourite First Gold is making his first appearence in Ireland, but is likely to need this outing, his first since finishing fourth to Florida Pearl at Kempton almost a year ago.
Native Upmanship is likely to provide the strongest home challenge. He won the race two years ago and was just beaten by Florida Pearl in it last year. Rince Ri, More Than A Stroll and Alcapone complete the line-up and should ensure that the French raider is made work hard.
Filed by Laura Reynolds
