Byrnes upbeat about Pittoni’s International chances

CHARLES BYRNES believes this weekend’s StanJames.com International at Cheltenham is a realistic target for his intended runner Pittoni.

A Grade One-winning youngster at the start of 2010 but essentially disappointing during the rest of last year, Byrnes lowered Pittoni’s sights and brought him along quietly in a handful of largely Flat races in 2011.

The Limerick handler placed him to land a minor event at Naas in October before managing only third in last month’s Morgiana Hurdle behind the improving Thousand Stars.