Classy Khetaam can deliver
The eight-year-old has had his problems and was absent from November 2003, when winning a two-horse race at Down Royal, until reappearing at Leopardstown last month.
Hardly surprisingly, he went off an unconsidered 20-1 chance, but Khetaam proceeded to make a fine comeback, landing a competitive handicap by two and a half lengths.
When horses return from such a long lay-off, the first run back can often be the best. But there is little indication that may be the case with the selection.
He followed Leopardstown by contesting the ultra-competitive Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle at Cheltenham and produced the performance of his life to finish fifth of 29 behind Desert Quest.
Khetaam has a minimum of 9lbs in hand of all of his rivals at the weights and if running up to his best can deliver.
Liam Burke’s charges are in rude health right now and Optimus Prime may prove another for him in the Wexford Renault Maiden Hurdle.
The five-year-old hasn’t been seen since finishing third behind Mise En Place and Sir Overbury at Thurles in December, which was a smart effort, in the context of this opposition.
If Optimus Prime does score then he will have lost his novice status in a short few weeks, but presumably fences beckon sooner rather than later for this former winning pointer.
Wills Wilde is a hopeful choice to give Pat Fahy a change of luck in the Garryrichard Stud Beginners Chase.
He did well to finish three lengths second to hot-pot Allez Petit Luis at Limerick and a repeat of that effort will surely see him go close!
* Tomorrow’s meeting at Navan is subject to an inspection at 7.30 this morning.
