Strong entry for Pierse Hurdle
Willie Mullins’ 13-year-old proved he has lost none of his dash with a win at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve and is currently running off his highest ever mark over timber.
Adamant Approach is one of four possibles for Mullins, who could also run Mister Hight, Quatre Heures and Orge D’Ete.
Champion trainer Noel Meade has four entries in the shape of useful novice Aitmatov, recent Navan winner Orbit O’Gold, Jaamid and Power Elite.
Jessica Harrington, who won last year’s renewal with Studmaster, has three possibles in Breathing Fire, Valley Of Giants and Woodhouse.
Ross River, who last ran in the boylesports.com Gold Cup at Cheltenham, could attempt to take advantage of a much lower mark over hurdles for Tony Martin.
Arthur Moore saddles ante-post favourite Lenrey and could also run Well Mounted, who travelled over to Ascot to contest The Ladbroke last month.
Ado McGuinness’ Victram is another who could take his chance.
Recent market-springer Kendor Dine, from the in-form Eoin Griffin stable, is still a possible but Nicky Henderson’s Tarlac, who was the only original entry from England, has been taken out.
Cashmans bet: 7/1 Lenrey, Kendor Dine, 8/1 View Mount Prince, 10/1 Victram, Aitmatov, St’shavenoname, Quatre Heures, 12/1 Cadogan, Well Mounted, Mister Hight, 14/1 Jaamid, Orbit O’Gold.
Meanwhile, Black Jack Ketchum will have his final prep run for the Cheltenham Festival in the Byrne Bros Cleeve Hurdle at Prestbury Park on January 27.
Jonjo O’Neill confirmed that his unbeaten eight-year-old, who has only had one start this season, will have one more race before the biggest test of his career in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.
“Hopefully he will go to Cheltenham at the end of the month for the Cleeve Hurdle, that’s the plan,” said the Jackdaws Castle handler.
“Then he will go straight to the Festival, all being well.
“I am very pleased with him but the unfortunate thing is that he has only had one run this season.
“That is due to the ground but he is in great form and we are looking forward to the rest of the season with him.
“It is extremely exciting to have a horse like him but you are also very nervous in hoping he stays safe and sound.
“It’s fantastic to have a horse like Black Jack Ketchum though, every trainer wants the likes of him in their yard.
“He has every chance really (in the World Hurdle) but it is a top-class race and no walkover.
“You are taking on the best in the country but he is as good as any of them, we think, and he goes there with a great chance. If we are 100% right on the day we’d be very confident.
“You don’t mind taking the chance once (on soft ground) but we are not going to tear the guts out of him by running on it all year,” said O’Neill.
