Ireland: tiny fields at Punchestown

the main meeting today is at Punchestown, but unfortunately the fields have cut up badly. Only 4 line up for the Grade One Morgiana Hurdle at 15.10 CET. This is partly because Willie Mullins´Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly was due to make his seasonal debut here and scared off much of the opposition. However Mullins was not happy with the horse´s work and he was taken out on Thursday.

The trainer is now representd by Thousand Stars (Ruby Walsh), a winner at Atuteuil in June over a much longer distance, and clear best here on ratings. He is by no means a certainty here, as both Oscars Well (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power) and Pittoni (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell) are serious dangers, especially the latter who is unbeaten in 4 starts in 2011, two of them on the flat, and could be a major contender for the top hurdles races.

Last time out Pittoni beat Donnas Palm (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) by 12 lengths and that one can boost the form by winning the Grade 2 novice chase half an hour earlier, only his second attempt over fences. Last Instalment (Philip Fenton/ Davy Russell), also chasing for second time, is the obvious danger.

The novice chase over 2 miles at 14.10 is the other graded race and has a slightly bigger field with 7 runners. Lucky William (Tom Cooper/ Barry Geraghty) beat Whodoyouthink (Oliver McKiernan/ Tom Doyle) here last time, but there should be little in it now with the latter 3 lbs better off. The one to beat could be Days Hotel (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch), a very easy CD winner last time, while Monastrell (Meade/ Carberry) is also in with a chance.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: So Young - Fully Funded - Askanna
2. Race: Lucky William - Whodoyouthink - Days Hotel
3. Race: Donnas Palm - Last Instalment - Four Commanders
4. Race: Pittoni - Oscars Well - Thousand Stars
5. Race: Not For Converting - Andunowhat - Dedigout
6. Race: Some Present - Dare To Doubt - Capellanus
7. Race: Make Your Mark - Our Vinnie - Thomond Park