My main fancies are highlighted in bold – other horses mentioned are well worth considering and should be treated as dangers to the main selection.
Punchestown
1.40 Last Instalment comes here on the back of a win at Galway. He could well emerge as a top class novice chaser this season.
2.10 Only 4 runners but 3 are in with a chance. Thousand Stars failed to win last season but ran with plenty of credit. He was 4th in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and runner up to Oscar Whisky at Aintree. In June he won the French Champion Hurdle. Oscars Well won a couple of Grade 1 hurdles last season and was 4th to First Lieutenant at Cheltenham. He finished 3rd at Down Royal on his reappearance over an inadequate trip. Pittoni is a Grade 1 winner over hurdles and has won twice on the flat in recent months. This is a close call but I would just give Thousand Stars the edge.
2.40 Dedigout has been second in a couple of bumpers and looks a horse to follow.
3.10 Lucky Spring did us a favour last time at a decent price. He is a tough consistent sort that is suited by some ease in the ground.
3.40 Clear Hills won a point to point at Rathcannon and is well thought of by connections.
Cork
1.55 Pineau de Re and Memories of Milan make most appeal.
Exeter 1.00
Flying Award improved rapidly last season and may still be on a winnable mark.
1.30 Minella Stars looks an exciting recruit to chasing. This point to point winner is an out and out stayer.
2.00 Molly Round ran up a hat trick of wins over hurdles last season but unseated on her chase debut. Back over fences here she should pay to follow this season.
2.30 Baseball Ted won 3 out of 5 last season and is a course and distance winner.
3.00 Knight Pass won twice in bumpers last season before disappointing at Cheltenham. He is very highly thought of by his trainer.
3.30 Water Garden is running in a handicap for the first time and is the sort of horse his trainer does well with.
Towcester
1.15 Jolibob showed signs of form on his nost recent run when 2nd at Southwell.
Nap of the day
Last Instalment
Dark Horse
Water Garden
ahorse 