Dipper heat packs a punch

Punchestowns is part of a small but classy field for the Grade Two Dipper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham tomorrow.

Nicky Henderson’s chestnut, runner-up in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, won his first start over fences in fine style at Newbury and is expected to take high rank in the RSA Chase in March.

Punchestowns faces four runners, all of whom have shown a fine level of form.

David Pipe’s Seven Is My Number took the Future Stars at Sandown last time, while northern raider Knockara Beau has already claimed two decent prizes.

Bensalem suffered a reversal to Take The Breeze last time but is well regarded by Alan King.

The field is completed by Pigeon Island, a horse with a decent record at the course.

George Charlton is slightly concerned Knockara Beau might just lack for fitness.

Charlton’s representative has been forced to do all of his work on the beach, with the gallops at his Northumberland yard frozen.

“He’s been fairly busy but we were keen to get experience into him,” said Charlton.

“It’s going to be a cold night, though, so we just hope it is on.

“It’s a very hot race but the only horse that has beaten him this year (Weird Al) has franked the form so we are going to have a go.

“I’m just a bit concerned that because of the weather up here I’ve had to change his routine and I’ve had him down on the beach. Whatever he does tomorrow I think he’ll improve on.

“The form of his Cheltenham race last year behind Mikael D’Haguenet couldn’t be working out any better and he was forced wide into the straight so he could have finished even closer.

“He’s doing all right up to now.”

David Pipe reports Seven Is My Number in fine shape, but admits he faces a stiff task.

“It’s a very tough race, but he’s in good form and he put up a good performance last time,” said the Nicholashayne trainer.

“He’ll have to put up an even better performance tomorrow against the likes of Punchestowns.”