Kicking King can get back on winning track

IRISH RACING: Kicking King is the star turn at Punchestown today where a good round of jumping will be the primary requirement from the Arkle Trophy hope.

The Tom Taaffe-trained horse threw away what looked like a winning chance by falling at the second last fence in the Denny at Leopardstown just 11 days ago.

Despite that, and a fifth on his only other chase start, Kicking King remains as low as 12 to 1 with Powers for the Arkle at Cheltenham. But Taaffe is anxious for an incident-free round this afternoon.

"It's all about getting back on course and we need a good round of jumping.

"He is happy and well and has schooled well at home since. There have been no hiccups. I'm not making excuses, but the loose horse didn't help him at Leopardstown," he said yesterday.

Kicking King will have a small field against him in the novice chase, including Junior Fontaine, who hasn't run since winning at Ballinrobe in August.

The Arthur Moore runner has to concede 7lb to Kicking King, but, even on levels, anything but a smooth success for the festival hopeful would be a surprise.

With the going already "soft" and up to 15mm of rain forecast for the track today, conditions are sure to be testing.

But one man who may not end up caring is Michael Hourigan.

His Limerick winner American Duchess can follow up in the handicap hurdle off 9lb higher, while Rabble Run found only her stablemate The Parishioner too good over the holiday period and can come out on top in the bumper.

Paul Carberry is an interesting booking for Old Kilminchy, who could go well in the beginners chase.

The Hourigan horse ran twice over fences in December of 2002 and returned from an 11-month absence with a warm-up run over hurdles on New Year's Day.

The second of his two chase starts behind I'vehadit wasn't too bad and Old Kilminchy looks an each way option.