Big Guns Clash At Punchestown

Nickname has been installed as the 4-5 favourite by Cashmans to beat reigning Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Newmill in the Byrne Group Plc Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown tomorrow.

Handled by Grand National-winning trainer Martin Brassil, the ex-French eight-year-old has established himself this season as one of the top two-mile chasers in Ireland.

He has already won the Fortria Chase, the Normans Grove and the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase, with his only reverse coming behind Cheltenham Gold Cup fancy In Compliance over two and a half miles.

He has been untouchable over the minimum trip, however and despite only landing the Normans Grove two weeks ago, Brassil is keen to get him out again on his favoured soft ground.

'It's only two weeks since the Normans Grove, but he is in good form and he has his conditions again so there is no point keeping him in his box,' he said.

'The question keeps popping up about Cheltenham and the ground, but you can't plan the future so we will just have to see what happens.

'He's looked very good on his last two starts and dropping him in seems to suit as he is relaxing very well and he has a good turn of foot.

'It'll be nice to see Newmill out again. He is the champion at the moment so we will see where we stand.'

Newmill has been less busy since doubling up at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals, having had just the once run since last April.

That was in the Morgiana Hurdle in November where, after setting a stiff pace in the testing ground, he faded tamely to finish last of four.

But with the ground drying up compared with recent weeks, John Joseph Murphy is keen to get a run over fences into his charge.

'It's not as soft as it has been in the last few weeks and the ground has dried up enough so that we are going to run,' said Murphy.

'The race just comes up at the perfect time before Cheltenham so it seems the right time to run.

'He's in good form, but he has has already proven that he is a spring horse, the form in the book tells you that.

'It will be good for him to have a run as he is in need of one really. He is very fresh and well in himself. I'm looking forward to it.

'The likes of Nickname and Tumbling Dice will have an advantage over him as they have been running all season and he will be a bit ring-rusty.

'His need for good ground is more down to his jumping than anything else as he is very good over his fences, he is pretty flawless.

'It will be interesting and hopefully the ground isn't too bad.'

(C) PA Sport