Sackville to stake claim

A spectacular performance from Sackville in tomorrow's John Durkan Chase at Punchestown could see the Irish star take over from First Gold at the head of the Cheltenham Gold Cup market.

First Gold's Newbury defeat last weekend leaves the way open for Sackville, who currently shares the market leadership with some firms, but spectacular performances are not often associated with the eight-year-old..

Most of Sackville's 16 wins from 24 starts have been forged in solid and determined fashion, and it may have to be the same against just three opponents tomorrow.

They include Florida Pearl, whose work returned to normal yesterday after a scare earlier in the week, and Native Upmanship, who beat him a head in a Durkan thriller last year.

The Ericsson winner Rince Ri also adds to the mix but although there is only 5lbs between the four on official ratings, bookmakers haven't hesitated to make Sackville a 4 to 7 ante-post favourite.

"I think they are all good horses but Sackville is in great form and he has improved since Wetherby. I'm happier going into this race than I was going into Wetherby," trainer Frances Crowley said yesterday.

Sackville put in a typically dogged performance to beat Sleeping Night in that Charlie Hall Chase, and such toughness will be useful as he tries to win for the first time around Punchestown.

Two previous outings at the Co Kildare track have been disappointing, but career wins at Fairyhouse and Gowran indicate racing right-handed should not be a problem.

Willie Mullins gave an upbeat bulletin on Florida Pearl and said: "All the signals are okay and we don't know why he worked so badly early in the week. He has eaten up and we can't find anything wrong with him."

The Grade One contest is definitely the feature on the card, but another highlight will be the return to action of the remarkable Risk Of Thunder, who will again carry Sean Connery's colours in the Punchestown Cup.

Ground conditions are sure to be testing, and this will also be a big factor in the Conyngham Cup where the northern-trained Younowhat cold provide a bit of an upset.

Ballyhampshire Boy has had those with enough money swinging their cheque books about and the promising novice can enhance his reputation again tomorrow.

The Cheltenham possible was ultra-impressive in beating Scottish Memories at Fairyhouse last weekend.

Michael Kinane's intended mount, the Richard Hannon-trained Tamburlaine, is to miss the Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin tomorrow week after failing to scope clean after morning work.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club reports that the 2,000 Guineas second returned a negative scope at Hannon's East Everleigh stables yesterday.

Subsequently, Hannon has declined to make the trip to the Far East with Tamburlaine, who had been given a 16 to 1 quote by William Hill for the coveted prize.

The HKJC added that Tamburlaine will be replaced by the progressive local performer, Super Molly, from the David Hayes yard.