Aaidan O'Brien is holding fire on naming his jockey team for next Saturday's Kentucky Derby after Michael Kinane lost his appeal against a seven-day ban at the Jockey Club yesterday.
The top American jockey Jerry Bailey is on standby to ride either Johannesburg or Castle Ganodlfo but O'Brien said: "We haven't decided yet who will ride what in Kentucky."
The one certainty is that Kinane won't be there after the Jockey Club disciplinary committee turned down his appeal against the irresponsible riding charge he picked up at Newmarket.
After a two-hour hearing, Kinane said: "I went to the toilet and when I got back they had reached their decision so it didn't take them that long.
" One thing for sure is I won't have jet lag on 1,000 Guineas day!"
If there was a touch of the regal during the four festival days, there is definitely more of a "heath" vibe about the material at Punchestown today.
Willie Mullins had an excellent big-race week and can add to this total with One Night Out in the novice hurdle but a longer priced option in the following conditions hurdle could be Flint Knapper.
This one caught everyone by surprise at Fairyhouse 10 days ago with a shock 25 to 1 success from a 30-strong field.
Today the opposition includes the experienced Pittsburgh Phil and I Got It whose third to Davenport Milenium now looks very good indeed.
If Beef Or Salmon gets his jumping together he will be a danger to all but Flint Knapper has been working well alongside the high-class Balapour and should still be improving.
Winter Garden was taking on the very best when fifth of six to Moscow Flyer in the Swordlestown Cup during the week but the company of the beginners' chase this afternoon looks much more suitable for the Moore runner.
It's mainly flat action for a change at Clonmel tomorrow but the best bet could be the Michael Hourigan-trained Hehasalife in the bumper.
This one ran a good third to Ross River in the point-to-point final at the Fairyhouse Festival and the booking of the good amateur Alan Crowe can only help his chance.
John Murtagh will be in attendance to ride the well bred Ebaraya in the fillies maiden and the Aga Khan horse could have too much for the Tipperary runner up Nashwan Rose.
