Hughes aiming for Roberto gold
The 10-year-old drops down to Grade Two company in this two-and-a-half-mile heat after tackling the top level over three miles.
That outing came in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown where he was fourth to Synchronised.
“He probably wants a bit further and a better track, but he’s just in between. He has plenty of weight in handicaps and he’s not shown us yet he’s a true Grade One horse,” said Hughes.
“When these races come along they are the only chance he has, but he’s a nice horse and is in good form.
“He ran well in the Lexus. Leopardstown’s a better track for him and it was good ground there as well.
“It’s a different job tomorrow, but it’s a lesser race.”
His four rivals include Follow The Plan, who was a well beaten sixth in the Lexus on his first race since May, but be did defeat Roberto Goldback by a neck in this race 12 months ago.
His trainer Oliver McKiernan feels Follow The Plan, who has to give weight all round, will be hard-pressed to repeat that success.
“He’s in good enough form and if he runs as well as he did in this race last year, we’ll be very happy,” said the County Dublin handler.
“The trip is on the short side for him now and the ground will be soft so those things won’t be in his favour.
“It’s similar to last year but he would have been a bit more forward then.
“You’d have to think we’re running for place money, but you never know.”
Colin Bowe meanwhile feels a longer distance than two and a half miles would better suit his two runners in the Coolmore National Hunt Sires EBF (Mares) Novice Chase.
The County Wexford handler saddles Askanna, who made a winning debut over fences at Limerick three weeks ago, and Our Victoria, third to Knockfierna at Cork five weeks ago.
“Askanna is a nice filly but she’s better over a longer trip. She jumps a fence well and her jumping will probably keep her in the race,” said Bowe.
“Our Victoria has done nothing wrong all year but she probably may have to go out and do all the donkey work herself as she wants three miles.”
Michael Cullen, who is also based in County Wexford, will be pleased if Belle Brook can pick up some prize money as well as Black type in this Grade Three heat.
The eight-year-old opened her account over fences two weeks ago at Cork thanks to the stewards after being beaten a head by Special Token.
“She’s been working well since Cork. We got the race in the stewards’ room,” said Cullen.
“She was well clear at the last then made a mistake but finished well, was hampered and only beaten a head.
“This is a very tough race. I’d be delighted if we got into the money. I’m not expecting to win, but it’s a black-type race and to get third would be great.”
