Cossack should prove tough to beat in Durkan

Don Cossack should prove tough to beat in his bid for a second Grade 1 success in the John Durkan Memorial Chase, highlight of tomorrow’s card at Punchestown.

Gordon Elliott’s second season novice, winner of the Drinmore at Fairyhouse last season, has looked an improved performer in two victories already this season.

And, with Brian O’Connell deputising for the suspended Bryan Cooper, the seven-year-old might have the edge over Boston Bob and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere.

Don Cossack triumphed on his seasonal bow at Punchestown before making all to land a Grade 2 in Down Royal, beating Wonderful Charm convincingly.

Two and a half miles looks Don Cossack’s ideal trip. And, clearly in top form, he’s expected to foil Boston Bob, winner of Aintree’s Betfred Melling Chase and the Punchestown Gold Cup last spring, but disappointing when twenty-nine lengths third to Road To Riches on is seasonal debut at Down Royal last month.

Last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup victor Lord Windermere might struggle over this inadequate trip on his seasonal return.

The exciting Un Atout, off the track since winning a Grade 1 novice hurdle at the 2013 Punchestown Festival, makes his eagerly awaited fencing bow in the Go Racing In Kildare Badge Beginners Chase and should prove tough to beat.

In Cork tomorrow, the Willie Mullins-trained Twinlight should complete back-to-back wins in the Grade 2 Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase, having impressed when beating chief rival Days Hotel in his comeback race, the Fortria Chase at Navan.

The combination of Mullins and Paul Townend should also triumph with Vroum Vroum Mag, which looked an exciting prospect on her Irish debut at Wexford, in the Grade 3 mares chase.

Black Hercules, a smooth scorer on his hurdling debut over two miles here last month, will be expected to outpoint the pick of the Gigginstown runners in the Grade 3 Kerry Group Stayers Novice Hurdle.

Meanwhile, four-year-old Clarcam, no match for Vautour on his recent fencing bow over course and distance, appeals in the Irish Stallion Farms Novice Chase in Navan today, where the Mullins-trained Blood Cotil, runner-up to Gilgamboa, also on this track, might prove too strong for Wounded Warrior in the Drogheda Beginners Chase.