Limestone Lad will bid for win number 32 in the Grade 2 Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on Saturday, where the admission charge is just five euro with children under-14 free, writes Alan Magee.
James Bowe`s popular gelding upset Ned Kelly in this two mile event last year, and is likely to be opposed this time by Liss A Paoraigh, Knife Edge and Ballyhampshire Boy.
Liss A Paoraigh was beaten two lengths by `Limestone` in the two and a half mile Lismullen Hurdle at Navan earlier this month, and trainer John Kiely is intent on re-opposing over this shorter trip. Michael O`Brien will switch Knife Edge back to hurdles in a bid to `freshen him up`.
Davenport Milenium, withdrawn at Down Royal last Friday due to testing ground, is again a doubtful starter with the prospect of soft conditions.
The Craddockstown Chase was won by Moscow Flyer last year, and this Grade 3 event has again attracted some useful sorts. Recent chase winners Native Scout and Goldstreet are among the ten entries, which also include Bob Justice, Albatros and Snob Wells.
The Pierse Contracting Troytown Handicap Chase is the highlight on an attractive seven race card at Navan on Sunday, and Behrajan is an intended English raider.
Henry Daly today confirmed his charge `will travel over and is in good form`. Galway specialist Lord Of The Turf bids for a four-timer in the three mile test, while Sackville, Takagi and Arctic Copper are other interesting contenders.
