Weekend NAP - February 1st

Punchestown 3.35 - Never Compromise

Some very trappy stuff at Punchestown today but I'm going to take a chance on the veteran Never Compromise mainly because L'Ami looks a weak favourite. L'Ami has plenty of placed form that says he's a good thing but that's just the point, it's placed form, and he's won only 3 of his 44 rules starts. He's won just once since January 2005 and that in a point-to-point against another twicer and looks well worth opposing at a short price.
Never Compromise has an excellent record over the Punchestown cross-country course (form figures:241313U) and showed that he retains a nice bit of ability when sixth in a competitive handicap chase over an insufficient trip last time. It will be disappointing if he can't hit the frame at least.
In the other races, Beckett Rock may be overpriced in the opener. He ran in a much better Leopardstown maiden than the favourite Sorceror and would have finished closer to Voler La Vedette if ridden more positively.
Big Zeb has a few holes in him and Scotsirish is worth a bet in the race formerly known as the Tied Cottage. You'd prefer to see a front-runner in the field to make a pace but the testing ground should help put the emphasis on stamina.