Canyon looks a grand prospect

NICHOLS CANYON can confirm Cheltenham form and back up that victory in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle on the third day of the Punchestown Festival.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding relished the three miles of last month’s Stayers’ Hurdle as he came out on top against Lil Rockerfeller and Unowhatimean-harry.

There appeared to be no fluke about that success and it has to be remembered that Nichols Canyon won the two-and-a-halfmile Grade One novice hurdle at this meeting two years ago.

This may be a strong renewal of this race but Nichols Canyon keeps surprising everyone and has already eight wins at the highest level.

Mullins has made no secret of how he rates GREAT FIELD and the rapidly-progressive six-yearold can continue his winning run in the Ryanair Novice Chase.

Great Field only won his beginners’ chase at Gowran in May and has since followed up at Leopardstown and Thurles.

The JP McManus-owned gelding has made all the running on those occasions and has never looked like stopping. He looks an exciting prospect.

The McManus colours can also be carried to victory by STAMP

YOUR FEET, who goes for the JLT Handicap Hurdle in tremendous form.

His trainer Tom George loves to target this meeting but only brings horses he feels have a good chance and Stamp Your Feet certainly fits that bill.

He looked an improving type when winning a competitive contest at Haydock earlier this month and the handicapper may not yet have his measure.

VALUE AT RISK ran far better than it looks at Aintree on first glance and the drop in distance can see Dan Skelton’s charge collect the River Tay Handicap Chase at Perth. SELECTIONS: PERTH: 2.00 Top Ville Ben, 2.35 Duke Of Navan, 3.05 Mash Potato, 3.35 Spiculas, 4.10 Value At Risk, 4.45 Total Assets, 5.20 Black Ivory.

PUNCHESTOWN: 3.40 Stamp Your Feet, 4.15 Potters Point, 4.50 Cantlow, 5.30 NICHOLS CANYON (NAP), 6.05 No Comment, 6.40 Great Field, 7.15 Barra, 7.45 Rathcannon.

DOUBLE: Nichols Canyon and Great Field.