Warrior on the march
The lightly raced seven-year-old impressed on his fencing debut at Navan in November and took a step up to the highest level in his stride in the two-and-a-half-mile Drinmore Novice Chase.
He competes over three furlongs shorter in the highlight of the opening day of Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, and Martin could not be happier with his star turn.
“Everything has gone well and he in good order. We’ll take our chance and see how we get on,” said Martin.
“He’s won over two miles twice and he’s won over two and a half, so I wouldn’t be worried abo ut the trip. He showed plenty of pace the last day and he’s won a bumper, so he should be fine.”
Noel Meade has decided to declare Perfect Smile following his comfortable victory on his chasing debut at Fairyhouse last week, but admits he faces a tough task.
“It’s a big step up for him but it’s a race to run in as much as anything else, as there is nothing else within the next couple of weeks,” he said .
There is a fascinating British challenger in the shape of David Pipe’s Notus De La Tour.
The five-year-old impressed in novice chases at Carlisle and Plumpton before being beaten into third behind the classy Walkon at Exeter at the start of the month.
“He’ll like the conditions and he’s a good traveller,” said Pipe.
