Punchestowns set for Sandown

Owner Judy Wilson anticipates further improvement from Punchestowns ahead of his second appearance over fences in the totepool Challengers Novices’ Chase at Sandown.

Last season’s World Hurdle runner-up was an effortless winner on his fencing introduction at Newbury in November, but has not seen a racecourse since then due to hold-ups with the weather.

“I’m not sure if I’m really looking forward to it or not, but I’m certainly very nervous,” said Wilson.

“I’m not sure I’m too keen on those Railway Fences as they do come up very quick, but I’ve got full confidence in Barry (Geraghty) and the horse.

“It’s been difficult for Nicky as he has got quite a few novice chasers who all want to run over the same distance, but I’m pleased we’re coming here.

“Tony McCoy schooled the horse on Thursday and everything went very well.

“I hope he’s improved since Newbury and the only thing that has stopped us running since then is the weather.

“He was due to run at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day but I didn’t want him to as there was differing reports about the ground, so we took him out.

“We’ll have to see what happens on Saturday but I know Nicky had said he would like him to have another run before Cheltenham.

“It’s all about timing as you don’t want to run him too soon after Saturday and you don’t want to run him too close to Cheltenham, so I’ll leave it up to Nicky and he’ll decide.”

Punchestowns faces just four rivals in the Grade One contest and is 3-1 for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.