Warrior on course for clash with Sir Des Champs
Tony Martin’s Drinmore winner Bog Warrior and Willie Mullins’ Cheltenham Festival hero Sir Des Champs could clash.
Martin, who trains the exciting chaser for Gigginstown House Stud, said yesterday: “Bog Warrior worked at home this morning and I couldn’t be happier with him.”
The trainer and owner partnership are also represented by Gift Of Dgab, although a clash between stablemates is unlikely.
“At the moment Gift Of Dgab will probably run at Limerick on the same day,” added Martin.
Willie Mullins has several other entries and all would have strong claims on the formbook.
Call The Police looked a natural first time out over fences at Gowran, Lambro’s form has been franked several times and Blackstairmountain did not come off the bridle winning on his chasing debut.
Noel Meade has two entries, former smart hurdler Donnas Palm and Perfect Smile while Tom Cooper could run Lucky William.
The sole British entry among the 13 remaining is David Pipe’s Notus De La Tour.
Meanwhile, Sizing Europe is the only defector from the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown on December 27.
Eight remain in the Grade One two-mile-one-furlong event, including 2010 Queen Mother winner Big Zeb, who won the race last year and looked as good as ever when beating Noble Prince at Navan last month.
Golden Silver, a prolific winner who was rather fortunate last time out in the Hilly Way at Cork, finished second 12 months ago and won the race in 2009 and looks Willie Mullins’ best chance of victory.
Stablemate Scotsirish could join him and he was last seen when taking the wrong course in the cross-country chase at Cheltenham before turning around to finish fourth.
Having taken Sizing Europe out, Henry de Bromhead could run Paddy Power Gold Cup disappointment Loosen My Load.
Noble Prince is still engaged for Paul Nolan and Forpadydeplasterer, who returned to form when third to Big Zeb at Navan, is another top-class entry.
Jessica Harrington’s Saludos and Edward O’Grady’s Tranquil Sea complete the field.
Becauseicouldntsee will aim to go one better this year in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on December 27.
The eight-year-old beat all bar Dermot Weld’s Majestic Concorde 12 months ago and has once again been aimed at the valuable pot.
His ultimate destination is Aintree for the Grand National in which he was quietly fancied last season only to fall at the second.
His two runs this term have been over an inadequate trip.
“The last race brought him on a bit and he needs four miles really,” said trainer Noel Glynn. “He’s not fast enough for two and requires three miles plus.
“It doesn’t really bother me that he’s 6lb higher than last year. He’s a very big horse, 17.1 hands, who can carry weight and I’m not worried about what he has to carry. He’ll be fine.”
Sous Les Cieux will attempt to enhance his burgeoning reputation in the paddypower.com Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 27.
Willie Mullins’ youngster is one of only seven remaining entries in the Grade One event.
Noel Meade would appear to be his biggest threat as he could saddle Dylan Ross, Il Fenomeno, Formidableopponent and Monksland.
Edward O’Grady’s Cash And Go and Michael Hourigan’s Ballysteen are the other possibles.
