The Storyteller out to write a new script Punchestown's card today features the Morgiana Hurdle along with two quality Grade Twos over fences but the supporting card will also provide some useful clues for the season ahead. The two-and-three-quarter-mile I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Maiden Hurdle sees the Gordon Elliott-trained The Storyteller chase compensation following his unfortunate fall at Down Royal recently. The gelding was in strong contention in Co Antrim when falling at the second-last flight then and appears the type to do well over this staying trip. Henry De Bromhead's Monalee and Willie Mullins' Turcagua were both useful bumper types and could give him most to worry about. Owner JP McManus is represented by three runners in the opening Total Event Rental Handicap Hurdle, with Shay Barry's After Rain appearing the pick of the trio under Barry Geraghty. The gelding has looked a smart type on occasions and should strip fitter for his reappearance run at Down Royal. The concluding Bradys Ham Supporting Kildare GAA (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race sees the Gigginstown House Stud-owned Samcro in action for the first time since his win in a point-to-point at Monksgrande last April. The son of Germany, sire of Faugheen, was due to run at Navan last weekend but was taken out due to a stone bruise and might be able to beat off six rivals, with soft underfoot conditions to suit. Setting the standard on bumper form is the Tom Mullins-trained Arctic Light, a winner over this course and distance last month.
