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ROUND UP OF LAST WEEK’S RACING

It was a case of so near yet so far last week as both AITEEN THIRTYTHREE, and TATANIANO finished second. The former is still growing up and looks sure to win soon, but it won’t be until next season that we see the best from him. Tataniano needs better ground and a trip of two miles, so although he should have won, there are valid excuses for him and I expect him to be a serious player at Cheltenham and especially Aintree.

INCHIDALY ROCK unfortunately fell at Cheltenham and it was too early to tell how he would have got on. He did not make a mistake, just stumbled on landing possibly caused by him having to go a fraction quicker than ideal against class opposition – he should bounce back.

WEEKEND PREVIEW

BINOCULAR is on target to have his final prep for the Champion Hurdle in the 1.30 at Sandown and although he has not shown his true form so far this season, he has improved with each run and should be capable of winning this.

PUNCHESTOWNS is going to post in the 2.35 at Sandown and again should be hard to beat. He impressed on his chasing debut and the track and distance should be fine for him. One word of caution though, Paul Nicholls has won the last four runnings of this race, so his runner, Tchico Polos should be feared.

It is a big day in Ireland on Sunday and DUNGUIB is set to run in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown. He has simply looked awesome so far and can’t be seriously opposed. Heavy ground holds no fears to him and he is all class and he should win easily.