Lemonfield can run rivals silly
John Murphy's seven-year-old made a belated, but bright, start to the campaign at Thurles before Christmas.
He attempted to make all the running and they were tactics which appeared destined to succeed for most of the journey.
In the end, however, Lemonfield was collared and beaten a neck by strong favourite Pontium. This is an ideal track for a trail-blazer and he should take all the beating.
The Metal Man Novice Hurdle is interesting, bringing together some useful enough sorts in Buck Breeze, Earth Magic and Holly Tree.
Preference is for Holly Tree, who was taking on something a bit special when eight lengths second to Jazz Messenger at Thurles.
The selection is almost certainly greatly flattered by that performance, but this will be a long way easier than trying to match strides with the subsequent Kempton Christmas Hurdle winner.
Howaboutthis, absent since going under by a length and a half to The Hoodoo Remains at Listowel in September, should have the legs on poor opposition in the Bumper.
Bitsandbobs, beaten three parts of a length by The Parishioner at Clonmel, can make light of a 4lbs rise in the weights in the Newtown Handicap Chase.
At Punchestown tomorrow the frustrating Back To Bid can land the Visit The Panoramic Restaurant Beginners Chase. Noel Meade's gelding was a popular choice in the market at Fairyhouse earlier in the month. That contest was won by McEvoy, after the selection had fallen, when disputing the lead, at the ninth.
The attheraces.com Free Video Form Hurdle may be best left to Jessica Harrington's Studmaster. Following a couple of disappointments over fences, he was returned to flights when fifth to Rosaker at Navan.
Tom Taafee has his charges in fine form and Thoor Ballylee should run a big race for the trainer in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
The four-year-old performed well enough when three lengths runner-up behind the gambled-on The Colt King at Thurles.
