His song has his second start over fences at Punchestown today but the rain-softened ground may turn out to be as much of a test as the opposition and the obstacles.

The Punchestown executive were not planning any precautionary inspection yesterday but the conditions are sure to be testing. "We are not anticipating any problems even though the forecast says it could continue to be stormy," said course manager Charlie Murless.

His Song has to take on some experienced campaigners like Space Trucker and Greenflag Princess but the strapping five-year-old has the potential to be a class apart from these and he also ran his best race to date on the track when beating French Ballerina in April's champion novice hurdle on heavy going.

His Song's chasing debut at Tipperary looked to be heavy going too as Go Roger Go appeared to be travelling just as well alongside until crashing at the last.

Tony McCoy's mount should have come on significantly for that, however, and he should signpost his potential even further today.

The ground should also be a major factor in the Rathmore Hurdle where the impressive Fairyhouse scorer Rathbawn Prince may not appreciate very soft going. Richard Dunwoody is a significant booking for the Raymond Hurley-trained Runaway Renegade, a Listowel winner last April who subsequently ran a fine race when fifth to Zafarabad in the champion 4-y-o old hurdle at Punchestown.

No Avail has no easy task at the weights in the Summerhill Handicap but she is sure to relish the give in the ground, while More Than A Stroll is preferred to Tullabawn in the INH Maiden Hurdle.

Jim Bolger's Baravelli ran an encouraging debut at the Curragh on Saturday when the race was started by flag. The Barathea colt may just have come on enough from that to cope with the El Gran Senor colt Man Of The Sea and the Nureyev filly Knockanure, neither of which would like it very soft.

Space Trucker, who makes his reappearance over fences at Punchestown today, is a possible for a handicap chase at Ascot on Saturday week. "He's in great form, but he won't like the soft ground," said Jessica Harrington yesterday. "I want to give him a run over fences to give him a bit of practice. If the ground is good, he might go to Ascot on Saturday week, with a view to going to Cheltenham for the two-mile handicap chase at the Murphy's meeting there."