Meade stars on course
VC Bet Champion Novice Hurdle winner Iktitaf is set to be stepped up in trip for the Ballymore Properties Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on December 3, while Bula Hurdle winner Harchibald is on target for the Maplewood Developments Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on November 19.
Iktitaf has proved his well-being already this season with two effortless victories over Davenport Democrat at Punchestown and Down Royal.
“Iktitaf came out of the race great, he had a lovely run around the other day, he actually did more at home before the race,” said Meade.
“But he had to go round and win. It was the same race they had at Punchestown and Ruby (Walsh) on Davenport Democrat tried to take the sting out of him and he knew that wouldn’t work so I think he was just waiting for something to maybe go wrong this time.
“The way it looks at the moment, I think he will go to Fairyhouse for the Hatton’s Grace, that’s the way we are looking at the moment. He will be entered in the Morgiana and he will be entered in the Fighting Fifth and what used to be the Bula (Boylesports International) just to keep our options open.”
Harchibald suffered a surprise reverse at 4-9 in a Grade Two race at Tipperary on soft ground last month, on what was his first start back after picking up an injury last term.
“Harchibald will go for the Morgiana as long as the ground is OK,” confirmed Meade.
“Anything goodish will be fine but he just doesn’t go in real soft ground. If it is soft to heavy he won’t run, I’m going to keep my word on that this time!
“He worked with a couple of mine over a mile and five the other day and he seemed to do it well, we were delighted with him.”
