Bee buzzing for Naas return
Trainer Eddie Harty is considering the Grade Three contest for JP McManus’ smart gelding, who signed off in the spring with victory in the Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown.
“The Poplar Square is an ideal race to start him off, being over two miles and for second season novices,” said Harty.
“He’s in good form but will need some rain to go there. Hopefully we will get some in the next week.”
Meanwhile, Trafford Lad is due to make his long-awaited return to action against the likes of Kauto Star and Sizing Europe in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal on November 6.
The eight-year-old is a Grade One winner over both hurdles and fences but a leg injury has kept him off the track for almost a year.
Trainer Lar Butler, whose family own the gelding, has been delighted with how the eight-year-old has fared since returning to work and is keeping his fingers crossed he stays in one piece this season.
“He’s in very good form. He did a piece of work on Tuesday and I was very happy with him,” said Butler.
“We’ve entered him for James Nicholson and weather permitting, that’s where he’ll go.
“I know Kauto Star and Sizing Europe have been pencilled in for it, but when ever you run in these big races you’re going to run into some good ones.
“Touch wood, he’s been perfect since he came back. We won’t know for sure until he runs, but he is looking as well as he ever has at the moment.
“Plenty of time and effort has gone into getting him back and please god, it will pay off.”
