Folly Master can build on promising return to land Punchestown spoils

Both of those chase outings were in the spring, and when he made his return to action, just 16 days ago, he contested a hot handicap at Navan and found only Midnight It Is too good.

A 33-1 chance, he flew from the back of the last and while the winner was comfortably on top, Folly Master pulled nicely clear of the remainder.

There ought to be plenty more to come from him and, with the step up from two miles to almost two and a half miles a distinct positive, he can go one place better.

The most obvious danger is Listentillitellyea, whose most recent effort, in third place behind Ifiwerearichman, reads well in the context of this race. His claims are clear, but his overall record, of just one win in 25 starts, tempers enthusiasm somewhat.

The Your Free Entry Sponsored By Tote Ireland Beginners’ Chase provides a fascinating start to proceedings and even though the last few days have cast some concerns about the overall well-being of runners from the Willie Mullins stable, he has two likely types in High Class Hero and Loughglynn, with marginal preference for the former.

The lightly-raced seven-year-old has won a point-to-point and five of his seven outings to date inside the rails, and his most recent outing, in April, was the best of his career as he pushed stable companion Dancing City to half a length in a Grade One at the Punchestown festival. Better Days Ahead, Stellar Story, and Lecky Watson were all behind the selection that day and in the expectation that he can continue on that upward curve, he can make a winning start over fences.

Stablemate Loughglynn should not be taken lightly, while Shannon Royale has the benefit of two recent runs over fences and will be popular based on his runner-up finish behind the aforementioned Dancing City.

The Make The Tote App Your New Year’s Resolution Hurdle is fiercely competitive but Saint Sam, who won the race in 2022, can land the spoils once more.

A versatile sort, he won the Clonmel Oil Chase on his most recent outing but is just as adept as a hurdler and can make his fitness count against Ballyadam, who makes some appeal as he is in receipt of 8lbs from the selection. Sir Gerhard, a stablemate of the selection, won this race last year and must also be respected.