Austin admits Mossey Joe faces stiffer task
The seven-year-old jumped to prominence with an effortless win in a Grade Three event at Cork, having been sent off the outsider of six runners.
He had previously won two point-to-points and a hunter chase so was making his debut under Rules.
“He did it well last time and he’s in good form,” said Austin.
“He’s missed one piece of work because of the weather, but we think he’s still all right. He only ran two weeks ago and he’s been kept on the move.
“We mentioned the Irish National at the end of this season and that’s what we intend to do, but there wasn’t a three-mile chase he could run in over Christmas as he wasn’t entered in the big ones.
“Anyway, I don’t mind staying hurdling with him for now as he seemed to jump them well the last day. He could be just a bit novicey against these lads he meets tomorrow, that’s the only thing.
“It will be a lot better race than the last day.
“We’ll keep him to hurdles for the time being.
” It’s a bit late now to be sending him novice chasing, I’d want a full season at it and we’ll see how he runs tomorrow as to where he goes after that.”
