Longer trip ideal for Aitmatov

THURLES houses their first programme of the season this afternoon and it is a safe bet that this popular track will play host to far more attractive cards as the campaign progresses.

The enigmatic Aitmatov is the hopeful nap choice in the best contest of the day, the Cat Busters Hurdle.

He is very much an in-and-out performer, who doesn’t always condescend to put his best foot forward.