There’s a competitive seven-race card on offer at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve, with a fascinating beginners’ chase kicking proceedings off at 12:35 before a mares’ bumper concludes the meeting at 15:35.

Our expert has taken a close look at the card and picked out four strong fancies, including a Henry de Bromhead runner in the opener, who can be combined to form a Lucky 15.

12.35 Punchestown - Slade Steel

Henry de Bromhead’s Slade Steel was right at the top of the tree as a novice hurdler, winning the Supreme at Cheltenham ahead of Willie Mullins’ Mystical Power.

Big things were therefore expected when he embarked on a chasing career last season but it didn’t quite happen for him. He had a tendency to bump into one, and in his defence he was second behind the Brown Advisory winner at Naas last season.

It was a good effort when second to Predators Gold on seasonal debut at Navan and he shaped like he would improve for the run. Perhaps the step up to three miles will help and this could be the day he finally gets off the mark over fences.

13.05 Punchestown - Sammy Smart

Thomas Gibney’s Sammy Smart has only had three starts over fences so far and he produced a good performance to finish second by a length-and-a-half.

The handicapper’s decision to put him up 6lb for that effort seems a little harsh but the front two were 10 lengths clear of the rest that day. He kept on well to close the gap on the winner heading up the run-in and showed a good attitude in the process.

It’s worth noting that the extended 2m3f trip probably isn’t ideal but he should be capable of running a big race nonetheless. His sole victory over hurdles came at Punchestown and he might still be unexposed over the larger obstacles.

13.35 Punchestown - Mino Des Mottes

The three-year-old maiden hurdle is next up and Willie Mullins has won it for the last two years. He’s represented by French import Mino Des Mottes and Paul Townend takes the ride.

The three-year-old had two starts in French bumpers, winning at the second time of asking, with that success coming over an extended 1m3f and he was definitely keen early on.

That didn’t stop him from winning well though and hurdles can facilitate further improvement.

It’s often unwise to take Mullins on in this sort of race and that could be the case once again.

14.05 Punchestown - El Fabiolo

El Fabiolo was exceptional a couple of seasons ago but the wheels have fallen off somewhat. His jumping has definitely gone to pieces so the return to hurdles could be a smart move from connections.

At his very best, the Willie Mullins-trained gelding would be winning this race without breaking sweat and although he’s some way off that level at the moment, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him return to winning ways.