A fairytale ending to the remarkable career of Goffs bargain Beef Or Salmon in the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown this afternoon seems unlikely even though the veteran is reunited with Timmy Murphy.

In-form Murphy, fresh from his Grand National triumph at Aintree, sits up on Michael Hourigan’s tremendous money-spinner for the first time since they were second to War Of Attrition in the 2006 Guinness promotion.

This formidable pairing had taken the 2004 renewal when the gelding was in his prime and started a well-backed favourite and, although unable ever to win on English soil, Hourigan’s pride and joy has his own fan club.

They should be out in force again at the Kildare venue today as the 12-year-old bows out competitively when seeking an unprecedented 11th Grade 1 triumph to eclipse even Moscow Flyer’s record over fences.

However, the jumping game is invariably tough and uncompromising at the highest level with little room for sentiment, and indeed ‘Beef’ goes into action here with a rating 7lb inferior to stable companion Mossbank.

Runner-up to Our Vic at Cheltenham in the Ryanair Chase, Davy Russell’s mount would look a better proposition to take the spoils now than both his stablemate and 2005 victor Kicking King which has yet to sparkle this term.

The other top-flight contest down for decision today is the Paddy Power Champion bumper and the main focus will probably be on the rematch between Cousin Vinny and Corskeagh Royale, the principals from Cheltenham.

Nevertheless, those that have competed well in the Cotswolds seldom, if ever, seem to reproduce that level of form over a month later at Punchestown, where the ground can be very different so that should be borne in mind.

Just two successful favourites during the past decade is another factor that gives hope to the 15 others turning out in the hope of eclipsing Cousin Vinny and Corkskeagh Royale, both of which would doubtlessly appreciate definite ease in the ground overnight.

The forecast is for sufficient rain to keep the ground from drying out unduly as the five-day fixture unfolds, with the emphasis on providing a safe surface over the various routes to be negotiated.

Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup, (4.15)

Former winners Beef Or Salmon, which is having his swan song here, and Kicking King do not appear to hold the same credentials at this stage as last year’s surprise scorer Neptune Collonges. However, the latter had a hard race when setting up the Gold Cup for stable companion Denman and there’s no guarantee he will be quite as effective once more though entitled to healthy respect.

Michael Hourigan’s progressive Mossbank, unable to reel in subsequent Liverpool scorer Our Vic at Cheltenham, and Mister Top Notch which let his supporters down when falling at Aintree won’t mind this longer trip.

New Alco, Snowy Morning, Hi Cloy and Sher Beau have yet to make an impact at this level, but there’s a definite chance that Mossbank will go well in his quest to emulate Beef Or Salmon.

Verdict: Mossbank is napped to oblige.

Paddy Power Champion Bumper, (5.25)

The burning question for punters here is whether Cheltenham Festival form involving Cousin Vinny, Corskeagh Royale, Lilywhitedancer and Apt Approach will hold good despite the poor record of previous Festival principals.

Yesterday’s lively ground, which could be subject to change overnight is another poser facing backers trying to unravel this mystery event, as Cousin Vinny and Corskeagh Royale might each prefer more ease.

The undefeated Front Of House and Touch Of Irish come from English stables that fare particularly well in this type of event, while Endless Intrigue represents a yard in very good form at present.

Verdict: Go with Cousin Vinny- if it rains.

Osberstown Developments Novice Hurdle, (3.40)

Galient bids to extend his winning sequence for regular Punchestown raider Nicky Henderson and is likely to prove a tough nut for the home team to crack with British champion Tony McCoy aboard.

Shakervilz is also going the right way and this hat-trick seeker could prove the pick of the home defence even if Siegemaster goes into the race with a higher rating (139 to 135) at the moment.

Verdict: Shakervilz may emerge best.
(Source: Irish Independent)