Walsh to add to tally

Punters travelling to Punchestown this weekend are advised to get there early because of possible traffic difficulties but for today at least the supporters of the season's leading rider Ruby Walsh are likely to need no such encouragement.

The crossroads on the Blessington Road, a mile from the track, are in the middle of ongoing roadworks. That will be no hindrance to 19-year-old Walsh who lives nearby and it could be that there will be little hindrance to him on the track either.

Walsh has obvious claims in all five professional races and while a clean sweep may be asking too much, he should be able to substantially increase his current six winner lead over Paul Carberry in the jockeys championship.

Possibly the most interesting of Walsh's rides is Wither Or Which in the first division of the Ballintaggert Maiden Hurdle, one of two races divided to make up a seven race card due to the chase track being saved for tomorrow.

Two years ago Wither Or Which would have started a very short priced favourite for a contest like this. Willie Mullins' eight-year-old looked a potential champion when landing the Cheltenham festival bumper but has been plagued with injuries since.

In that light his reappearance sixth at Gowran last month was very disappointing but a good horse doesn't just lose its innate talent and although the first part of this race looks the stronger of the divisions, Wither Or Which has to get another chance.

Walsh can also be on the mark in the second division on Lord Of The Turf who was getting well into contention when falling at the second last behind Deejaydee at Fairyhouse and the teenager can open treble chances on his father Ted's Royal Signature, a winner of a Leopardstown bumper in the first.

Our Meg may be a decent price to cope with Walsh's mount Go For Grogan in the mares novice hurdle and Pick Of The Stall is preferred to Three Rivers in the handicap hurdle.

However the nap goes to Dawn's Double in the last. Third in her two starts to date, Dawn's Double has been running against top class bumper prospects like Give It Holly last time out and should find this company more amenable.