Paul Nolan is keeping his fingers crossed Joncol has a smooth preparation in his bid to land back-to-back victories in the Hennessy Gold Cup in February.

DAVY Russell believes the likely testing conditions will play to the strengths of Money Trix in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday.

THE public relations merchants for the ante-post firms have been on overdrive this week, letting us know about the sustained gamble on Cooldine for Sunday’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown.

CORK this afternoon is subject to an 8am inspection, due to the prospect of a severe frost overnight, but if the meeting survives then Adrian Maguire’s Mr Warbucks can land the nap in the McCarthy Insurance Group Hurdle.

Noel Meade is looking forward to seeing Grade One-winning hurdler Pandorama tackle fences for the first time under Rules in the Christmas Parties at Punchestown Beginners Chase tomorrow.

Pandorama took advantage of the final flight fall of Cousin Vinny to take top honours in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle.

Hurricane Fly has been declared a non-runner for this afternoon’s Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.

GLENFINN CAPTAIN can get us off to the ideal start for the weekend by landing the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park this afternoon.

Trainer Willie Mullins and smart conditional rider Paul Townend stole the honours at Navan with a near 35-1 treble through Mikael D’Haguenet, Shakervilz and Jayo.

YOU would like to think that those who tried to make Sam Thomas’ life a misery over the last couple of weeks were hanging their heads in shame after Noland had won the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on Tuesday.

Trainer Noel Meade rattled off a superb 64-1 four-timer at Navan, his local track, thanks to wins from Pandorama, Watson Lake, Aran Concerto and Across The Bay.

PUNCHESTOWN this afternoon houses a smashing programme, with the debut over fences of Forpadydeplasterer, in the Panoramic Restaurant Beginners Chase, the obvious highlight.