Sharp Thistle grasps the nettle

Views from connections ahead of the Grade One Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle at Punchestown on Wednesday.

Colin Tizzard is looking forward to seeing runaway Aintree winner Thistlecrack test his powers against the Irish at Punchestown on Wednesday.

Far from disgraced when fifth over an extended two miles in Sandown's Imperial Cup last month, Thistlecrack stepped up to three miles for the Sefton Novices' Hurdle on Merseyside and slammed his opponents by upwards of 13 lengths.

Tizzard admits his charge has more on his plate in the Grade One Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle, but is hopeful he will prove up to the task.

"He looks a fair stayer, doesn't he? The great thing is he has the pace of a two-miler, but he obviously stays well, too," said the Dorset trainer.

"He was mightily impressive at Aintree, but this is probably a tougher race.

"It's great to be bringing a Grade One winner to Ireland and as long as the ground is right and doesn't have any firm in it, which I don't think it will, we should be fine."

Thistlecrack is joined in an 11-strong field by fellow British raiders Binge Drinker (Rebecca Curtis) and Fletchers Flyer (Harry Fry).

The latter won a bumper at last year's Punchestown Festival and returns to Ireland after having filled the runner-up spot in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Haydock in February.

Fry told his Stan James blog: "It will be a good, competitive race.

"The ground shouldn't be a problem, he won on good to yielding last year and on Wednesday good to soft the worst it is likely to get.

"We took him out of the Albert Bartlett (at Cheltenham) on the day as he wasn't quite right but he's had the chance to get over that and he seems to be in good form at home, so we're hopeful of a big run.

"If he could do what he did last year we'd be absolutely delighted."

Fine Article has finished second three times since winning at Limerick over Christmas and trainer Paul Nolan already has one eye on next season.

He said: "He's in good form and we always knew whatever he did over hurdles, he's really an out-and-out chaser.

"He's only managed to win the one race over hurdles so far, but he's run some good races and ran very well the last day.

"I'm just hoping he runs a good, competitive race and we'll look forward to next season with him.

"With a bit of luck he could be one of next year's top novices (over fences).

"The more rain they get, the better."

Willie Mullins has an enviable hand, with stable jockey Ruby Walsh siding with Shaneshill.

The six-year-old was runner-up behind stable companion Douvan in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham and comfortably went one better at Fairyhouse earlier this month.

The champion trainer also runs Killultagh Vic (Paul Townend), winner of the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Hurdle at Cheltenham, and Roi Des Francs (Danny Mullins).