Newmill Heads Quality Field In Kerrygold Champion Chase After his tremendous victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month, the John Joseph Murphy trained Newmill heads 10 entries remaining after today's (Thursday) forfeit stage for the €200,000 Kerrygold Champion Steeplechase, the feature event on the opening day of Punchestown's National Hunt Festival next Tuesday. Newmill will again be faced by the ?Mouse' Morris trained Fota Island, runner up at Cheltenham and again at Aintree earlier this month, while Dessie Hughes' Central House, Noel Meade's Watson Lake and Pat Fahy's Mariah Rollins are all still in the field. A fascinating runner could be the Eamon Sheehy trained Justified, a fine winner under Tony McCoy of the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse last Sunday, and although only a novice, this top class performer could certainly make his presence felt against his more experienced rivals.On the same card, the Nicky Gifford trained Straw Bear looks certain to start favourite for the ?100,000 VC Bet Champion Novice Hurdle in which 13 horses are remaining after today's (Thursday) forfeit stage. After finishing a close second in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham, this exciting five year old ran out a most impressive winner at Aintree three weeks ago and he represents a formidable challenge for the home trained contingent. Noel Meade's Sweet Wake was favourite for the Cheltenham race but had to settle for fifth place and connections will be hoping for a better showing on Tuesday while stable companion Iktitaf, winner of the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December, gives the trainer a strong hand. Recent Fairyhouse winner, Glenfinn Captain, trained by Tom Taaffe, also stands his ground while John Carr's Sublimity is another with solid claims after his fine fourth at Cheltenham last time out. Multiple winner Mounthenry, from the Charles Byrnes stable, is among the entries while other English raiders still engaged are Classic Role, Welcome Stranger and Pablo Du Charmil.The first of eight races is off at 2.05pm and there is a Tote Jackpot Pool Guarantee for €40,000.
