We head to the first day of a two day meeting in Punchestown where THEMANINTHEBOOTS goes back over fences. He already has five starts in this realm but his form has picked up well recently and he’ll have Jack Kennedy in the saddle.

For the Grade 3 novice chase we have JACOB’S LADDER and THE ENABLER. It is a very small field so there will be no hiding places here. Jack Kennedy has sided with Jacob’s Ladder here who was a nice winner the last day and should appreciate the step up in trip. The Enabler was also a very impressive winner the last day and steps down in trip with Sam Ewing booked to ride.

It is an even smaller field for the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer where we have ROAD EXILE who takes on only three other rivals. This guy looks a smart horse who should feature heavily in big handicaps later in life. It looks a competitive race where we have Jack in the saddle.

There are three runners in the 2 mile maiden hurdle. PLAYTIME who ran well on debut takes another stab at things here with Kevin Sexton booked to ride. We’re hoping he can learn to settle a bit better and keeps the hood on today. SPRINGHILL WARRIOR ran well on debut to finish second and makes his return here after a good summer break. He looks to be in with a good chance of finishing in the frame under Jack Kennedy. GOLDEN WINGS makes her hurdling debut. Well held on her racecourse debut in a bumper last time out, we’re hoping she can show a better account of herself over flights and Danny Gilligan will take the ride. ALBUS is 2nd reserve and will be ridden by Sam Ewing if he gets into todays contest.

SAN HILARIO is our final runner of the day. His form has picked up since the addition of cheekpieces. He’s knocking on the door for a win and can hopefully show another good account of himself even with the quick turnaround from his last run. Jack Kennedy has been booked to ride.