Thursday treat as stars and legends line up at Punchestown

We look to Ireland for the best of the action on Thursday. At Punchestown there are two Grade 3s, the second of which being the Irish Daily Star Chase (4.10) which pitches together Carlingford Lough, Outlander, Road To Respect and Minella Rocco.

The Buck House Novice Chase half an hour earlier (3.40) does not have the same strength in depth, but fans of Death Duty will no doubt be hoping his second start over fences goes as well as the first.

For those who would rather look back, there is also the John Shortt Legends Challenge Race (1.20), the equivalent of Doncaster's Leger Legends, which features Mick Kinane, Norman Williamson, Paul Carberry and some handy equine talent too such as Pallasator and Monksland.

Back in Britain, Brighton, Carlisle and Uttoxeter make up the afternoon diet, with Newcastle on in the evening. In France, three British raiders are among the field for the Listed Prix Isonomy for juveniles.

Going report

Punchestown - first race 1.20
Yielding to soft.

Brighton - 2.00
Good to soft, soft in places (6.2 on the GoingStick at 5.45am on Thursday),

Carlisle - 2.10
Soft, good to soft in places (6.2 on the chase course and 6.7 over hurdles on the GoingStick at 7am on Thursday).

Uttoxeter - 2.20
Good to soft (8.0 on the GoingStick at 6.45am on Thursday). Divided bends Hurdles 12yds off inside on fresh ground Fence 7 (3rd in back straight) omitted in both chases Race distance variations (approx.) Races 1 & 2 - + 55yds Races 3 - +110yds Race 6 - + 83yds Both chases (race 4 & 5) as measured.

Newcastle - 5.15
Standard.

Market movers

Newcastle
6.15 Enzo's Lad 11-4 (from 11-2)
6.45 Christmas Night 8-1 (from 14)
7.15 Arty But Poor 10-1 (from 16)
8.15 American Hustle 9-2 (from 7)

What to back

Nick Watts is the flying tipster on Thursday, providing his case at Uttoxeter in just ten seconds.

What to read

We continue our countdown to Qipco British Champions Day with the greatest champion of them all, Frankel. David Milnes recounts his valedictory Champion Stakes success of 2012.

Meanwhile, familiarise yourself with Francis-Henri Graffard, trainer of Fillies & Mares Stakes favourite Bateel.

What to watch

Before you see Outlander or Death Duty on the track, get the lowdown from trainer Gordon Elliott at our recent stable tour.

The best of Racing Post Sport

In the usual Thursday column, Bruce Millington talks about Ryan Moore and red cards that should be left to lie.

We also look ahead to Thursday's Europa League action, including Everton vs Lyon and Red Star vs Arsenal.

Final thought

Wetherby's The Charlie Hall, typically seen as the first step on the road to the Gold Cup in little more than a fortnight's time, will do well to match the field on show in Punchestown's big race today. It really is a midweek treat.