N.H. racing this evening

Plenty of action for jumprong fans this evening, with N.H. racing at Huntingdon and Cheltenham and from Ireland at Punchestown. Cheltenham stages 6 hunter chases, the best of which is the 3 1/4 mile race at 19.10 CET. Take the Stand (Peter Bowen/ Dr. D.F. Devereux) -in his prime Gold Cup- placed - narowly beat Merchants Friend (J. Dufosee/ Mr. R. Bliss) over this CD last time, but on 6 lbs better terms the latter can perhaps turn the tables. However Yoiu do the Math (Charlie Longsdon/ Mr.J.S.Horton) is much improved and can defeat them both. At Huntingdon Charlie Mann saddles German-bred Cortinas (Noel Fehily) in the opening novice hurdle at 18.25; after a good win this CD two months ago, he has several times been a non-runner because of the soft ground, but conditions should be ideal today. Another Fährhof-bred Floreana races for the same connections in the 3 mile handicap chase at 19.30, but faces a much tougher task, while yet another German-bred Twist Bookie (Sam Lycett/ Robbie Killoran) carries top weight in the handicap hurdle at 20.05 and is another one who goes well on this going. At Punchestown Ruby Walsh can make up for his disappoiintments yesterday evening as he has three rides with winning chances, Hurricane Fly for Willie Mullins at 18.50, Arc Bleu - another German-bred - for Tony Martin at 19.25 and Genuine Pearl for his father at 20.30.