In his exclusive blog for Ladbrokes, jockey Paul Townend discusses the prospects of his rides at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day

I Will Be Baie – 12.40 Fairyhouse

He’s had three runs for us finishing second, first and second in bumpers. So he sets a good standard. He’s a point-to-point winner. He jumps well at home. He’s unproven on the ground. Gordon Elliott’s My Trump Card has recent race fitness on his side on testing ground, which is a big advantage. It looks like a match between the two and I am sure he will come on from whatever he does.

Allegorie De Vassy – 2.25 Fairyhouse

She was a runner-up at Cheltenham last year and came back to beat Instit on her first run back. She is conceding weight, which isn’t ideal. Riviere D’etel is getting a lot of weight and is well suited by the conditions. Her second behind Captain Guinness was a sign she may be coming back to something near her best. She’ll be hard enough to beat but Allegorie is in good form. I was very taken with her performance in Clonmel. She will improve plenty for that. It’s a classy field. Instit got the better of Allegorie a couple of times last year and will also improve the run in Clonmel.

Nick Rockett – 3.00 Fairyhouse

I think he is my strongest ride of the day. He was fourth in a good beginners chase won by Corbetts Cross in Fairyhouse. He jumped very well that day but got tired late on. The benefit of the run under the belt will make him very hard to beat.

Best bet – Nick Rockett