Punchestown

Formscan By Eamonn Murphy - Scrolling down through these sixteen and one name shines out like a beacon – that of FOXROCK. He was expected to deliver at the first time of asking, in a Loughrea point-to-point last October. The son of Flemensfirth duly delivered in the style of an old-pro (2nd and 4th, Minellahalfcentury and Pumbaa have won on the track since) and it was on to Leopardstown at Christmas then. Unfortunately that excursion didn't last long (hampered and unseated at the first) but it was back to the Dublin venue, in the suburb that bears his name – on Boylesports.com Hurdle Day. Ted Walsh's charge ran an excellent second in an apparently well-above average heat then, four lengths behind Mala Beach (4th and 5th home, City Slicker and Mullaghnoe River put the form to the test at Navan on Tuesday). Basically this now looks like a fantastic chance for Danny Mullins to ride his first winner for Barry Connell, since assuming the position of retained rider for the leading owner. Of course Andiamos (Willie Mullins has said in the past – we may not see the best of him until he jumps a fence) needs to be respected given his connections and it's entirely possible that he'll now leave behind his ordinary bumper efforts travelling much further over hurdles. Los Amigos has the form to challenge for a place in the frame whilst Philip Rothwell 'talked-up' Breens Boy to a fair degree, in a stable tour in last Saturday's Irish Field, so he may be one to keep an eye on. The second and third from his point-to-point win, Royale Knight and Social Overdrive, are winners on the racecourse cross-channel in the interim.