REMEMBER SCOTTISH ON SUNDAY

It`s a case of quantity rather than quality at Punchestown on Sunday, with 123 declared runners but few potential stars, writes Alan Magee.

One of the few exceptions could be Scottish Memories, who is fancied to open his jumping account in the Lime Hill Maiden Hurdle. The six-year-old gelding has joined Noel Meade since a fast-finishing third off a rating of 98 in the McDonogh Handicap at the Galway Festival.

The son of Houmayoun was unlucky to come up against the useful Ballyhampshire Boy when making a promising hurdling debut at Fairyhouse, and that form has been well advertised since by Perkys Pride (third) and Ivan De Vonnas (fifth).

The Eadestown GAA Handicap Chase is the most valuable race of the afternoon, and the Meade stable may also have the answer here with Strong Run. The former John Fowler-trained gelding was reappearing after a nine months lay-off, and having his first run for Meade, when landing a gamble at Navan three weeks ago. Glenelly Gale is the obvious danger following a facile victory in a Thurles conditions event.

World Wide Web has yet to realise his full potential, but may gain an initial success over jumps in the opening Red Bog EBF Novice Hurdle. This three miles event is sure to be a searching stamina test in the prevailing ground conditions, and John Mulhern`s charge receives a vital 7lb from Birmayne and Billy The Snake.

Born Flyer threw away a certain victory when falling at the last in a two miles handicap hurdle on the Pierse Hurdle card at Leopardstown. Al O`Connell`s charge, who was been raised just 2lb by the handicapper, can gain compensation over the same distance in the latest leg of the Powers Gold Label series.

Selections - 1.30 World Wide Web, 2.00 Strong Run, 2.30 Born Flyer, 3.00 Bentota Beach, 3.30 Scottish Memories, 4.00 No Discount, 4.30 Fair Dinkum.

Alan Magee