'I think he'll take some beating' - can in-form Barry Connell bag valuable pot?

Saturday: 2.32 Punchestown
tote.ie Never Beaten By SP Tara Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) | 2m3½f | 4yo+ | RTV

An already memorable season could get even better for trainer Barry Connell, who will bid to enhance his impressive 31 per cent strike-rate with Hgranca De Thaix in this rescheduled €40,000 prize.

Fresh from recording his first Leopardstown winner with the exciting Good Land on Thursday, and from saddling a maiden Grade 1 winner with Marine Nationale earlier this month, Connell is entitled to have plenty of belief in his Punchestown challenger.

A 15lb hike for bolting up by 17 lengths at Galway in October was to be expected but he still sneaks in carrying just 10st 8lb for 5lb claimer Michael O'Sullivan.

Hgranca De Thaix: promising sort for the Barry Connell teamCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Plenty hold chances in this 19-runner affair, though. Captain Conby could be the class angle of the race and had the form of his Pertemps qualifier third boosted when the winner, Shewearsitwell, followed up at Leopardstown on Thursday.

There's every chance Lady Rita could be better than a mark of 116 suggests, while Riaan must be respected on the back of a ready success at Cork last month.

Clifton Warrior, Pike County and Wat Ua Doin also arrive on the back of wins on their latest outings, and lively outsider Blanketontheground represents the in-form Eoin McCarthy, who sent out three winners from just nine runners at the Limerick Christmas festival.

What they say

Oliver McKiernan, trainer of Gatsby Grey
It's probably a big ask for him off top weight on what's likely to be testing ground but we're happy with him and hope he runs well.

Eamonn 'Dusty' Sheehy, trainer of Captain Conby
His form looks rock solid. He ran very well last time over three miles but I'm not sure if he just didn't stay the trip or if he needed the run. I've been training him to improve as the season goes on. He likes this track and seems in good form.

Captain Conby: has won two of his four starts at PunchestownCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Off Your Rocco, Au Fleuron and Riaan
It was Off Your Rocco's first start back after a break last time so hopefully he'll come forward for the run. We're bringing Au Fleuron back over hurdles and trying him in cheekpieces. He had some decent runs over hurdles last season as a novice. Jack [Kennedy] rides Riaan, who was good when winning at Cork last time. This is a step up in class and the handicapper has put him up 9lb, so we'll see how he gets on.

Denis Hogan, trainer of Zoffanien
He's been running well and goes there in good nick. The trip looks perfect for him. It was probably a bit short the last twice.

Eoin McCarthy, trainer of Blanketontheground
She's been very consistent and ran better than it might look on paper last time at Thurles. It'd be nice if she could nick a bit of black type. We've had a great Christmas with some nice horses and I think she'll run well too.

Barry Connell, trainer of Hgranca De Thaix
He won well at Galway and got a rise of 15lb that was probably fair. Since he's got onto soft ground he seems to have improved. He also got a proper summer off this year and came back a stronger horse. This race popped up for him after being rescheduled from Navan and hopefully it should suit. With Michael's 5lb claim added into the mix, I think he'll take a bit of beating. I'll be disappointed if he doesn't run a big race.

Eoin McCarthy on Blanketontheground: 'We've had a great Christmas with some nice horses and I think she'll run well too'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Helen Markham, trainer of Bread And Butter
He's in great form and it looks like everything should suit him. He likes this trip and has a low weight [of 10st when including Conor Smithers' claim] so you'd be hoping he could run into a place.

Louise Lyons, trainer of Lady Rita
We think she'll strip fitter from her first start of the season at Navan. Off a mark of 116, you'd be hopeful she'll be competitive even though it is a good race. She wouldn't mind soft ground. Fingers crossed she'll run a very nice race.

Matthew Smith, trainer of Wat Ua Doin
I was delighted to see her get back on track last time at Tramore. This looks a very decent race but she seems in great form and has a lovely low weight [of 10st 2lb].

Read Saturday's previews:

1.50 Newbury: 'I toyed with the idea of the Challow' - who's hopeful of a big handicap run?

2.10 Warwick: a win for Wynne? Keith Melrose expects a bold show from Moss in veterans' chase

2.25 Newbury: who will add their name to the glittering honour roll in the Mandarin Chase?

3.00 Newbury: 'It's as good a Challow as I can recall' - but can anyone stop Hermes Allen?

3.35 Newbury: 'Natural' Nothin To Ask just one of host of progressive novices in hot handicap

Punchestown: Any Second Now starts out on road to Aintree return in quality conditions hurdle

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