PUNCHESTOWNS is the pick with Junior and Serabad as the alternatives. The handicapper was clearly impressed with the effortlessness of Punchestowns victory here in November and on that evidence, he wouldn't be too far away from World Hurdle class at the festival. The bookies will price accordingly today and it will be interesting to see what today uncovers. Junior has it to do at the figures but with this race likely to be run at a steady pace, it is likely to play to his strengths. Serabad is held in high regard by Peter Bowen. He looks capable of further improvement if his Aintree run is taken literally. Middleton Dene is hardy though probably needs conditions a little more testing. One Gulp accounted for Amber Brook readily at Kempton. The pair will both be in receipts of the mares allowance today though are both dropping substantially in trip. Punchestowns needs to win this in order to maintain any aspirations of heading to the World Hurdle come March.
Junior 11-2 (11-0) Held up in rear but well in touch, hit 6th, headway to chase leaders 2 out, led and hit last, driven out, won at Sandown 2m 4f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gs beating On Raglan Road (11-4) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Punchestowns (FR) 7-1 (11-12) Held up in mid-division, headway approaching 7th, led just after 3 out, drew clear on bit approaching last, easily, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) sft in Nov beating Ballydub (10-11) by 3 1/2l, 19 ran.
Serabad (FR) 9-2 (11-9) Held up in touch, steady headway approaching 3 out, led between last 2, driven and drew clear flat, won at Aintree 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) sft in Nov beating Nevertika (10-11) by 4l, 9 ran.
Middleton Dene (IRE) 6-1 (11-9) Towards rear, some progress 6th, lost place next, stayed on again from 3 out, not reached leading trio, 4th of 11, 9l behind Duc De Regniere (11-11) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl (2) gs in Nov.
One Gulp 15-2 (11-2) Tracked leader, led 2 out, stayed on strongly from last, ridden out, won at Kempton 3m mrs lst nov hdl (1) gd in Nov beating Amber Brook (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
Amber Brook (IRE) 5-2 (10-12) Held up in last trio, headway 9th, challenged 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace from last, 2nd of 7, 3 1/2l behind One Gulp (11-2) at Kempton 3m mrs lst nov hdl (1) gd in Nov.
