McCoy to partner Starluck
The six-year-old was last seen finishing third in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton but he is now set for a switch to the larger obstacles.
With regular rider Timmy Murphy set to partner leading fancy Ghizao at Cheltenham, Fleming has been on the lookout for a new jockey.
“Tony doesn’t really have a horse to ride in the Arkle, “ said Fleming. “We couldn’t have Timmy so to have someone as good as AP to ride instead is great. We’ll have to see what turns up on Thursday, but we’re looking forward to it.”
nROBBIE HENNESSY’S Rubi Light is set for a trip to Cheltenham after impressing in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran on Saturday.
The six-year-old ploughed through the mud to beat the likes of Roberto Goldback and Scotsirish in the Grade Two contest and providing conditions suit, he will now aim for Grade One glory in the Ryanair Chase on March 17.
“We were delighted with him and to be honest, we were expecting a really big run as he was working really well,” said Hennessy.
“Still, it’s easier said than done and it was great to see him go and do it. He’s a brilliant jumper.
“He seems to be improving the whole time and I think he’ll go for the Ryanair in Cheltenham.
“The handicapper isn’t going to be too kind to him and as long as the ground isn’t too fast he’ll go for the Ryanair. Good to soft ground would be all right.”
* BERTIES DREAM, last season's winner of the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at 33-1, was scratched from the RSA Chase yesterday by trainer Paul Gilligan.
The eight-year-old has not won since the festival last season and was last seen finishing sixth in the Boyne Hurdle at Naas earlier this month, beaten over 12 lengths by Voler La Vedette.
