13:15 Punchestown

Sunday 31 December 2023

All12:4513:1513:4514:1514:4515:1515:45

Tote, Never Beaten By SP Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:15 | Winning time: 6m 55.4s

Where It All Began^p1²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 122

8/1

After 7 months off, possibly needed the run when fifth of 9 in handicap chase (18/1) at Fairyhouse (21.5f, soft) 29 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time and could yet do better on only his third handicap start.

Form: F523P-5

Clonmeen^t⁵⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Simon Torrens| T: William P Murphy| OR: 114| D

4/1

Opened account under Rules when scoring in 14-runner handicap chase at Down Royal (24f, soft, 10/1) 50 days ago, staying on to lead final 100 yds. Can give another good account returned to this longer trip.

Form: 44-P821

The Big Galloper³⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: R P Treacy| T: C Byrnes| OR: 114| D

28/1

Back over fences, failed to come on for reappearance when well-beaten tenth of 11 in handicap at Cork (21f, soft, 25/1) 35 days ago. Mark has fallen further a result but he remains a maiden in this sphere.

Form: 5791/40

Tucson Train¹⁷⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: J J Slevin| T: T Mullins| OR: 109| D

11/1

Fairly useful winner at 20f over hurdles. Failed to improve from chasing debut when seventh of 11 in maiden at Kilbeggan (19f, soft, 10/1) 170 days ago. Back up in trip as he goes handicapping.

Form: 164/067

Silver King^h,t³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: Phillip Enright| T: O McKiernan| OR: 107

3/1

Never dangerous when fifth of 14 in maiden chase (20/1) at Cork (21f, soft) 35 days ago, still having plenty to do 4 out. Hood reapplied and he could be capable of better making his handicap debut.

Form: 3-72345

Chosen Diamond^p²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: Sean O'Keeffe| T: E Cawley| OR: 103

7/2

Made a winning chase debut at Naas in November and was still going well in third when unseating rider 4 out in handicap at Clonmel (17.9f, heavy, 7/2) 24 days ago. Remains with potential over fences.

Form: 0558-1U

Kings Halo³³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-5| J: Danny Mullins| T: J Dullea| OR: 101

11/4

Built on promise of previous run when winning 12-runner handicap chase at Tramore (21.4f, soft, 5/2) 33 days ago, responding well. Can follow up with more still to offer over this longer trip.

Form: 2P1-521

Non-Runners

Soldier Of Honour²

Weight: 10-0| Age: 6

T: E McCarthy J: Gary Noonan

Forecasts

Kings Halo (11/4), Silver King (3/1), Chosen Diamond (7/2), Clonmeen (4/1), Where It All Began (8/1), Tucson Train (11/1), Soldier Of Honour (25/1), The Big Galloper (28/1)

KINGS HALO has shown improved form over fences this season, opening his chase account at Tramore on his latest outing, and he can score again with the step up in trip likely to suit. Chosen Diamond is worth another chance to build on his successful chase debut and could be the main danger, while Clonmeen also merits consideration.