Review PUNCHESTOWN 9TH DEC

The Listener set up a mouth-watering clash with Denman after a commanding performance in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on Sunday.

The front-running grey proved too classy for his rivals in the Grade 1 contest as he quickened away down the straight, under Daryl Jacob, for an easy 19-length win over Mansony.

The field had tightened up before the fourth last but Jacob had plenty left up his sleeve and kicked on again before the turn to settle matters.

Assistant trainer Nick Mitchell described the result as ' a good tonic' for boss Robert Alner, who remains in intensive care following a car crash last month.

'Robert had a nurse on the phone half way up the run-in,' revealed Mitchell. 'He's much the same. There are little bits of improvement and hopefully he keeps improving.'

The winner will now try and repeat last year's victory in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown where he is likely to face Denman.

'Bring on Denman!' joked Mitchell. 'I couldn't think of another horse in England or Ireland that I would want to take him on with. I'm not saying we'll beat him but it's going to be fun.'

The chief support race witnessed a gutsy performance from Your Sum Man, as he stayed on resolutely to take the Listed Novice Hurdle.

Quintana looked set for victory when getting the better of a three-way scrap going to the last but Your Sum Man found more on the run-in to wear his rival down for a length-and-a-half victory.

'It's great to win a listed race with him,' said trainer Tony Mullins. 'He won two summer bumpers and it makes people believe he is a good ground horse, but I think he is equally effective on this ground if not better.

'We'll produce him again at Christmas but not for the Grade 1. He's an improving horse but I don't see him in the same league as Aranleigh.'

Notre Pere is set to take his chance in Grade 1 company at Leopardstown after taking a eventful beginners chase.

Jim Dreaper's charge stayed out of trouble in front and was left to come home six-lengths clear of Knocknabooly after chief threats Aghacashel Angel and Thyne Again crashed out at the penultimate fence.

'He needs a strong pace as he's not a quick horse,' said Dreaper. 'He's a nice stayer - he's honest and a natural jumper. We'll pitch him in the Grade 1 at Christmas (Fort Leney Novice Chase) and see if he's good enough.'

Venalmar gained a deserved victory in the opening maiden hurdle with a convincing four-and-a-half length victory over Oscar Lyons and is another who could reappear over Christmas.

The Paddy Power is an option for O'Muircheartaigh after his hard fought victory in the handicap chase.

'We might go for the money,' said trainer Edward O'Grady. 'It's nice to see him back and I'm delighted.'

Shane Jackson shed 10lb to take the ride on Jak Dream in the Schweppes Handicap Hurdle and he was rewarded as the 20/1 shot ran out a cosy winner.