Slade Steel (left) and King Of Kingsfield jump the last together at Naas© Photo Healy Racing
The Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle has attracted a quality entry at the five-day stage and Henry de Bromhead has two interesting contenders in An Tobar and Slade Steel.
Both geldings were purchased by Robcour after impressing in their only point-to-point start and likewise both have made a bright start this term over hurdles.
An Tobar made a successful start under Rules here earlier this month while Slade Steel beat King Of Kingsfield, also a Royal Bond entry, in a 22-runner maiden at Naas.
De Bromhead has yet to finalise plans ahead of tomorrow’s final declarations but is pleased with the progress of both geldings this season.
“It’s either An Tobar or Slade Steel. We’ll see how they are and see what way the ground is,” the Knockeen trainer told broadcaster Dave Keena.
“Both have started really well and they were good point-to-pointers.
“Slade Steel had good bumper form last year and An Tobar got hurt last season but is back now and he looked really nice on his first start back.”
Encanto Bruno, successful at Cheltenham in October, may represent Gavin Cromwell in this Grade 1 event while impressive maiden winners Farren Glory and Fascile Mode are other interesting entries.
