Arc all set for Guinness tilt
The first day of the Festival meeting only got the go-ahead after surviving two inspections following heavy rain in the area.
And although the six-year-old, a winner over hurdles at Tralee this season, has scored in testing ground, his trainer feels a slightly better surface would be to his advantage.
Martin said: “He’s a good-actioned horse. He should get the trip no problem. It’s a mile and three-quarters and the distance should suit him.
“He ran really well over a mile and a half at the Curragh in July. He hasn’t run since then, but he’s in good form.
“He goes on heavy, but would prefer it not to be as heavy so hopefully it won’t get any worse.”
The Lansdowne Real Estate European Breeders Fund Novice Hurdle is the main supporting contest, with Paul Gilligan expecting a big run from Jadanli.
The progressive five-year-old was an easy eight-length scorer on his last start, a novice hurdle at Sligo.
Galway-based Gilligan said: “I was very impressed with his last run at Sligo. He is improving all the time. I think he’s ready for the step up in trip and he will handle it well. I don’t think the distance will be a problem for him at all. He’s in fantastic form.”
