Smashing has first start for Morris but likely to improve for the run

4.30 Punchestown
Irish Daily Star Chase | 3m1f | Grade 3 | ATR

This was the first chapter of Don Cossack's fairytale last season. A 12-length romp over stablemate Roi Du Mee teed him up nicely for a campaign which culminated with glory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He won it in 2014 as well, while War Of Attrition beat Kicking King here in 2005 and again in 2008. It is always an informative affair.

With the rain staying away and good ground predicted at Punchestown, there is unlikely to be a future Gold Cup winner in today's line-up but it is still an intriguing contest as the 162-rated Smashing makes his debut for Mouse Morris having been part of the Alan and Ann Potts team who left Henry de Bromhead recently.