Promise ready for Punchestown

Another Promise will go for gold for an in-form Ferdy Murphy in the Swordlestown Cup at Punchestown on Thursday.

The imposing eight-year-old has scored four times already this season and showed up well when not beaten far in the Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham last month.

Another Promise also has the option of an alternative engagement at the Irish festival but Murphy has elected to tackle the top-flight contest.

“He’ll run in the Grade One race at Punchestown over two miles,” confirmed the West Witton handler.

“It’s not his trip but he ran very well in the Arkle when he finished fifth and obviously two-and-a-half miles would probably be his ideal trip.

“He is in the novices’ handicap on the Friday too but the other race is a Grade One so we’re going to go for that.

“It seems a fairly open race and doesn’t seem that hot for the money. He’s very well and I’d be very happy with him at the moment.”

Among the likely opposition is the Dessie Hughes-trained Schindlers Hunt, last seen finishing a gallant second to One Cool Cookie at Fairyhouse earlier in the month.

Twice successful at the highest level this season, he will bid to regain the winning thread on Thursday.

“He’s on course for the Swordlestown and he’s been very good since Fairyhouse,” Hughes said.

“He was beaten fair and square last time but he ran a good race again. It’s an open race but I think he’ll run well.”