Aitmatov set to continue Meade run
A high-class novice last season, the six-year-old made a fine reappearance at Punchestown, indicating he is well capable of holding his own in this class.
He won that contest with any amount in hand, although his task was made considerably easier when main rival Sizing Europe departed two out when in front.
Sizing Europe was full of running at the time, but so was Aitmatov and he is fancied to prove as much now.
Galway hurdle winner Farmer Brown, Cheltenham Supreme Novices’ Hurdle hero Ebaziyan and Bobs Pride, who showed a lot of improvement at the back-end of last season, make this a cracking heat.
Uncle Junior has the best recent form in the Allianz Maiden Hurdle, but may not cope with another for the Meade-Carberry team, Sigma Digital.
He hasn’t been seen for just over a year, not since chasing home Catch Me at Naas. We can be virtually guaranteed, however, that Sigma Digital will strip fit and fancied.
Chateau d’Eau, who made a winning start at Punchestown last month, is a third Meade possibility in the Bumper.
Megans Joy, seeking a five-timer, will surely go off favourite for the Grade 3 EBF Scarvagh House Mares Novice Hurdle.
She will be hard to beat, but preference is for My Valley, who made a good start over flights at Galway in September when beating the smart Life For Rent by five lengths.
Badgerlaw, runner-up behind Santa’s Son first time up over fences at Punchestown, can do the business in the J W J Porter Beginners Chase.
