Ventana Canyon gets the verdict

VENTANA CANYON, who took the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham in spectacular style and later crashed out of the Power Gold Cup at the fifth last, is joined by two other recent disappointing novices, Manhattan Castle and Double Symphony, as they attempt to rebuild their reputations in the Tripleprint Novice Chase at Punchestown today.

Whether that Fairyhouse lapse was just carelessness on the part of Ventana Canyon, it was still the second time this year that he has fallen when apparently travelling smoothly. Perhaps this return to the minimum trip and more forceful tactics will iron out the problems.

Manhattan Castle started at shorter odds than Ventana Canyon at Cheltenham but, unfortunately for his supporters, never took part in the race. He could never handle the fast ground at Aintree on his next appearance and finished over seven lengths behind today's English challenger Lord Dorcet, who was a distant second to Ask Tom. He is much better than that form would indicate and should be in the shakeup.

Double Symphony took a heavy fall out at Cheltenham when well in contention and was again out of luck when badly hampered by Ventana Canyon's fall at Fairyhouse. At her best, she is a useful performer but may be best overlooked until her confidence returns. Ventana Canyon to beat Manhattan Castle is the verdict.

The Murphy's Irish Stout Champion Four year Old Hurdle should be a tremendous contest, with several horses holding excellent chances. Charlie Swan deserts his Triumph Hurdle mount, Magical Lady, to partner Theatre world, a most impressive winner on the Flat recently and also a useful hurdler.

Embellished is the probable favourite after he had followed up his unfortunate fall in the Triumph with a comfortable victory at Fairyhouse. At worse, he would have taken second place at Cheltenham and is clearly a progressive type.

Dermot Weld's Trade Dispute is unbeaten in his three run over hurdles and the lack of a run this year should not be a serious disadvantage. Talina's Law has been revelation since being fitted with blinkers and is now bidding for a four timers.

Tragic Hero, who also carries blinkers, was badly hampered at the first in the Triumph and that run is best forgotten. He then travelled to Aintree, where he beat older rivals with some style. He has also won on heavy ground and might be good enough to take this prize for the Martin Pipe stable.

Pipe may also be on the mark with Cyborgo in the Davenport Hotel Tipperkevin Hurdle. He returned after a year's absence tore a game all the way success in the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham and may again proved to good for Derrymoyle.

Percy Smollett started favourite for the Ritz Club Chase at Cheltenham, although all his winning form is on right handed tracks. Before that he would probably have beaten Rough Quest at Kempton but for blundering at the last. That was a decent effort and he could see off the challenge of Son Of War in the Castlemartin Stud Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase.

. Last week's Newmarket winner Storm Trooper continues to be very well supported for the 2,000 Guineas and Derby and is down to 10 to 1 from 12 to 1 in Ladbrokes' Guineas betting.