Punchestowns impresses on chasing debut Punchestowns, one of the highest-rated hurdlers to be sent over fences in recent years, made a winning debut over larger obstacles in the Grade 2, Fuller's London Pride Novices' Chase at Newbury. Second to Big Buck's in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle in March, Nicky Henderson's six-year-old could go right to the top over fences. Punchestowns faced only three rivals in this race and despite a few sketchy leaps early on, warmed to his task at halfway. A big jump at the cross fence took him to the head of affairs as Barry Geraghty's mount moved stylishly clear from the third-last. Outsider Martys Mission chased him home, but the 2-9 favourite was seven lengths clear. He is now 4-1 favourite with Sky Bet and Victor Chandler for the RSA Chase. Henderson said: "He's been seriously well and his jumping at home has been good and accurate. "Barry gradually let him open up and I think Barry had a bit of fun down the straight. I'm not saying he doesn't get three miles, but he is certainly not an out-and-out stayer. "We won't put him in the Arkle but there is the Ryanair - although I don't see any reason not to go three miles and we'll have to talk about going three miles at Cheltenham. "There is the Feltham (Kempton) and a two-and-a-half-mile race at Cheltenham on New Year's Day to consider."
