14:24 Lingfield

The lightly raced BUCCABAY was only beaten 2 lengths in what looked a better race than this at Chelmsford last month. He has been dropped another pound and is armed with a decent draw running at Lingfield for the first time. It will be interesting to see if Charlie Bishop goes forward on him as there isn’t a massive amount of pace on. If he gets into a decent rhythm then they might struggle to pass him. Clipsham La Habana is very consistent and knocked on the door again when second at Newcastle last time. If he repeats that sort of run he should go well and might be the danger. Star Of Lady M is another to note as she ran well at Wolves last time.

14:15 Punchestown

It was a shame to see SIR GERHARD crash out at Naas as he looked to be coming into the race strongly and I think he might have played a hand. Dinoblue has since franked the form following up in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown. He is clearly quite a tricky type but if back on song and stepping back up in trip I think he’ll resume his progress before either being targeted at the DRF in February or the Cheltenham Festival.

If there are any chinks in his armour then perhaps Ashdale Bob is the one to fear most. He lacks a run though so will need to be at his best to win on reappearance. Thedevilscoachman has a squeak back down in trip but didn’t pull down any trees in the Troytown area long way behind Coko Beach.