Timeform Race To Watch: Sunday December 7th Punchestown 2.05,The John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (Grade 1)

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 06 December 2008 / Leave a Comment

It's pretty much an all-star cast that will be contesting the 2.05 at Punchestown on Sunday so who better than Timeform to talk us through the runners and riders...

Sunday December 7th Punchestown 2.05

The John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (Grade 1)

The latest renewal of this famous chase over two and a half miles at Punchestown looks as competitive as ever. Ten go to post with Snowy Morning narrowly heading the ratings.

Ballistraw: Smart chaser on his day, the highlight of his career coming with success in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran last April. Conditions won't be a problem but has plenty to find with the principals and a place probably the best he can hope for.

Cane Brake: Progressed into a very smart chaser in 2006/7 when he won the Troytown at Navan and the Paddy Power at Leopardstown (with 11-10). Improved again to finish fifth to Kauto Star in the Gold Cup but missed last season and best watched.

Mansony: Second to The Listener in this race last year before winning a Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas. He subsequently found life tough against the better 2 milers and despite an encouraging comeback at Navan it's hard to see him winning especially with the yard out of form.

Newmill: High-class chaser in his prime - won the Champion Chase in 2006. Now entering the veteran stage and looked on the decline last year. Easily overlooked.

Noland: Third to Tidal Bay in the Arkle last year when he quickly made up into a smart novice chaser. Looked better than ever when brushing aside Finger Onthe Pulse at Down Royal on his return. Still unexposed over fences and very much one to consider here.

One Cool Cookie: Smart chaser and emerged as best horse at the weights when runner-up to Glenfinn Captain in Clonmel Oil Chase on return to fences, sticking to his task well. Has been known to throw in the odd stinker which tampers enthusiasm somewhat and bit to find to get competitive with the principals anyway.

Snowy Morning: A high class chaser who was third in both the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown and the Aintree Grand National. Improved again to chase home Neptune Collonges in the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown in May. Looked in need of the run at Clonmel on his seasonal debut and the yard is in much better form now but his best chasing form is over further than this.

The Listener: A regular visitor to Ireland over the last couple of seasons he easily won this race last year before beating Turko and Snowy Morning in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown. Made a bad mistake 4 out behind Kauto Star at Down Royal on his comeback (fell in the same race last year) and has to be respected but will need to be back to his best.

War of Attrition: A top-class chaser in 2006 when he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown. Has made a most encouraging return from nearly a two-year absence due to injury when recording easy victories here and at Thurles. This will be by far the stiffest test he has faced and will give a much better indication as to how much ability he actually retains.

Watson Lake: Another who is back after an injury-enforced absence. He made a very bad mistake on his comeback behind War of Attrition but showed that he has retained most of his ability when winning for the eighth time over fences in the Fortria Chase at Navan last month. However, he will need a career best to win this.