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Jones to make Case for cup bid

A good performance from Casey Jones at Punchestown on Thursday could set up a crack at the Hennessy Gold Cup.

Noel Meade's eight-year-old was a Grade One winner last term, beating Trafford Lad in the Knight Frank Novice Chase at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting.

He was a fast-finishing fifth behind Cooldine in the SunAlliance Chase at Cheltenham before being pulled up in the Irish National, from which he returned sore.

He is forced to concede weight all round but Meade is looking for a bold show in the Star 'Best For Racing Coverage' Chase before considering a trip to Newbury.

"He's in good form," said Meade. "I suppose Eric McNamara's Ponmeoath is best in as he is getting 10lb off mine and he is only rated 1lb below us.

"There's a couple of others that are well-in as well, but we are probably worst off because of his Group One penalty.

"Saying that though, he is in good form and he should run well. I was hoping he might run in the Hennessy if he runs well.

"He was quite sore after the Irish National so that wasn't his true running but before that he'd shown top-class form."

Tony Martin's Royal County Star, third in the Kerry National, and Tom Mullins' Chelsea Harbour add further spice to the Grade Three contest.