THE much improved New Co ran a fine race to finish a close up third behind Trainglot and Treasure Again in the Coral Cup Hurdle at Cheltenham having led over the last flight. This was one of the closest contested handicaps at the Festival and while he did not have an easy race Mouse Morris's charge reappears in tomorrow s Thoroughbred Breeders Supporting Naas Hurdle.

One can take it that New Co would not appear again so soon if he had not fully recovered from his Cheltenham exertions. Yet, l would prefer to pin my faith in a fresher Rockfield Native who won a three mile handicap hurdle at Navan.

Opera Hat, who also contested the Coral Cup, carries top weight in the Abbey Bridge Handicap Chase. However, having fallen at the second flight, John Fowler's consistent charge cannot be said to have had a race. It was over two miles of this course that she defeated a disappointing Strong Platinum.

She also won here in November and January and l have little doubt she will stay this three miles. The question is whether she can give so much weight to Twin Rainbow, a dour young stayer who completed a hat trick at Fairyhouse. Have To Think and The Crazy Bishop are others to consider but Twin Rainbow may make his big weight pull tell against Opera Hat.

Peter McCreeiy may land the Foran Equine Products Handicap Hurdle with Slianes Hero who was outgunned by Mayasta in the closing stages of a similar race at Leopardstown. Malacca King and Headbanger may give the selection most to do.

Guest Performance the five length winner of a maiden hurdle here last month is probably on the upgrade and can win the Naas Hurdle for Dessie Hughes.

Punters will treat the opening stages of the new flat season with an amount of caution, at least until Punchestown is well over. There are a few newcomers that might well win the Tend R Leen Horse Feeds Maiden but Michael Kauntze's charge Cossack Count was runner up to Merawang in a 29 runner maiden at the Curragh in November and that form may suffice.