With Tackmaster scoring at Wexford earlier, Noel Meade saddled a double on the day when Formidableopponent justified 11/8 favouritism at Navan in the two mile maiden hurdle.
The winner, another in the JP McManus colours, had taken a course and distance bumper two weeks ago when odds on. He showed his promise by sealing a three-and-a-quarter length victory from Mount Colah (16/1). Shrapnel (9/2) was third, seven-and-a-half-lengths away.
Noel Meade said: “Paul said he didn’t like the ground much. He said he was struggling a bit down the back. It wasn’t until he pulled him out on the better ground in the straight that he picked up.
“He’s a nice horse. He has won a point-to-point. If the ground got very heavy we would have to dodge it a bit with him. We’ll talk to the boss [JP McManus] and see where he goes next.”
Formidableopponent has been introduced at 50/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival by Stan James.
Michael Graham
