IKTITAF and Harchibald, Noel Meade’s two Champion Hurdle aspirants, are firmly on course for their respective targets before Christmas.

DESPITE the fact the ground is going to be far from ideal, Davenport Democrat gets the nap to land the Southampton Goodwill Chase at this afternoon’s Listowel meeting — if it survives a 7.30am inspection.

IN Monday's Racing Post David Ashforth, who is on a tour of the racecourses of Britain and Ireland, gave what could be best described as a scathing account of Tralee last week.

DAVENPORT DEMOCRAT gets the nap to lead his rivals a merry dance in the Athleague Novice Hurdle at Roscommon this evening.

DAVENPORT Democrat is the nap choice to get back on the winning trail in the Kilsaran Concrete Quarry Hurdle at Bellewstown this evening.

THE admirably consistent Cobham can enjoy a third success in the Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Bumper at Tipperary tomorrow.

FORMER champion, Pat Smullen took the riding honours when recording a fine double at Roscommon last night, highlighted by the all-the-way victory of Royal Intrigue in the Glenman Corporation Limited Building Contractors Lenebane Stakes, the first listed race ever to be run at the western venue.

WOMAN Of Substance can get punters away to the ideal start by landing the opening Sheilas Cottage Mares Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown this evening.

Leading Arkle Trophy hope Accordion Etoile could be a late absentee from the Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on Sunday if the ground eases further.

NOEL MEADE'S Ballyagran, despite some indifferent jumping, made a fine debut over flights when taking the INH Stallion Owners' EBF Novice Hurdle at Cork yesterday.

DAVENPORT DEMOCRAT gave Ruby Walsh an armchair ride on his way to success in the Dawn Pure Orange Juice Beginners Chase at the first stage of the Listowel Festival yesterday.