Sound Man has the engine to land feature race

THIS week's televised three day Punchestown Festival gets under way this afternoon in what promises to be an outstanding finale to a marvellous National Hunt season. Six British raiders try their luck and course manager Charles Murless is looking forward to a successful festival.

The going at the moment is soft, but with yesterday's tremendous drying conditions the likelihood is that the going could change to good to soft said Murless yesterday.

The track is in tip top condition and was given a clean bill of health by inspector of courses for the Turf Club, Bill McLernon. As well as that Tony Redmond of the Irish Trainers' Association, and Anthony Powell, secretary of the Irish Jockeys' Association, were delighted with the state of the course.

"We were a bit disappointed with recent reports expressing concern at the state of the track. A lot of time and effort has gone into preparing for this meeting which is very important to Punchestown. The long term weather forecast is good so we are hopeful the three days will be a big success," he added.

Certainly, this afternoon's Grade One BMW Handicap Chase (abt 2m) looks a top class race with Sound Man, Coulton and Klairon Davis, second, third and fourth respectively behind Viking Flagship in Aintree's Mumm Melling Chase (2m 4f) last month, among the eight runners.

Sound Man had 3% lengths and 3 lengths to spare over Coulton and Klairon Davis on that occasion and did very well to get within seven lengths of the winner after his jumping let him down once again.

However, Klairon Davis was the biggest disappointment of the race. Held up in last place by Frank Woods, the Queen Mother Champion Chase winner was probably not at home on the firmish ground and it would come as no surprise if he regained the winning thread here.

Last year's winner Strong Platinum is another to consider although he has failed to show last year's sparkle, together with the Charlie Brooks trained Sound Reveille (pulled up in Cheltenham's Cathcart Chase). However, there is no doubt Sound Man is a high class chaser and if he can be a bit more fluent at his fences, he should gain an overdue win.

Champion trainer Aidan O'Brien has elected to run Kaldan Khan in the Grade Two Country Pride Champion Novices Hurdle instead of his Cheltenham and Aintree scorer Urubande and the hint should be taken.

The five year old started favourite for the two mile Grade One Jameson Irish National Hurdle at Fairyhouse earlier in the month but was never travelling well at any stage.

It should be a good day for the Aidan O'Brien stable and he can repel the challenge of the Richard Lee trained Super Coin with Minella Lad in the Bradstock Insurance Novice Chase.