Powers promote Like A Butterfly to AIG favourite
The firm go 7-4 about Christy Roche’s charge, although rivals Cashmans have priced up J P McManus’ mare the 2-1 joint favourite with Limestone Lad.
O’Neill pulled his vastly improved six-year-old out of Sunday’s highlight after having him scoped. “He didn’t scope clean, just not quite right. Hopefully it’s nothing major,” the Jackdaw’s Castle trainer said.
A few of O’Neill’s horses have been slightly under the weather of late, including fellow star hurdler Rhinestone Cowboy.
Davenport Milenium (11-4 Cashmans, 2-1 Power) will definitely make the trip to Leopardstown, according to trainer Willie Mullins, who ruled out the alternative option of the Byrne Bros Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The trainer sprang a surprise yesterday when he indicated he was seriously considering the Cheltenham race for his seven-year-old because he was so well in at the ratings. But after talking it over with the owner, Mullins said: “We are going to Leopardstown. It’s the Irish Champion Hurdle and we thought we’d take our chance.
“It probably looks an easier contest across the water, but not having to travel was another consideration.”
Stable companion Scolardy, absent with a tendon injury since winning the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last year, is also likely to line up at Leopardstown, although Mullins has warned he will need the race.
Roche also confirmed Like-A-Butterfly will make her reappearance in Sunday’s race.
Last year’s winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham has not been out since tasting defeat for the first time in nine runs when she finished behind Davenport Milenium at Punchestown in April after appearing to lose her action after the penultimate flight. “She’ll take her chance,” said Roche. “She’s well and in good form. The run will bring her on a bit but I think she’ll run a big race.”
Cashmans: 2-1 Limestone Lad, Like-A-Butterfly, 11-4 Davenport Milenium, 7-1 Scottish Memories, 14-1 Stage Affair, 16-1 Scolardy, 50-1 Turtleback.
Paddy Power: 7-4 Like-A-Butterfly, 2-1 Davenport Milenium, 11-4 Limestone Lad, 11-2 Scottish Memories, 16-1 Stage Affair, 20-1 Scolardy, 40-1 Turtleback.
