Blackstairmountain among eight in running for Arkle
Smart hurdler Blackstairmountain recorded his second win from as many starts over fences when landing the Racing Post Novice Chase over course and distance last month and is set to be the sole representative of Willie Mullins in this Grade One heat.
Flemenstar comes from the less well known stable of Peter Casey, but has earned a step up in class following two impressive performances at Navan and Naas.
Casey said: “He seems to be in great form and the plan is to run, but I would be a bit concerned about the ground as he needs a good dig in it.
“I see there is rain forecast for Wednesday, so we’d be hoping that they get a good drop up there. He was good the last day at Naas and he has come out of that race in great form.”
One notable absentee is Tony Martin’s Bog Warrior, who fell when favourite for the race won by Blackstairmountain over Christmas. The trainer said: “He’s fine, I’ve just decided to wait an extra week so we can get a bit more done with him.
“There are plenty of races coming up for him and I just felt this weekend was coming a week too soon, so we’ve decided to give it a miss.”
Martin could still saddle a runner in the race, with Gift Of Dgab and Nearest The Pin both possible participants.
There is a potential British raider in the David Pipe-trained Notus De La Tour, second to Blackstairmountain when last seen. But his owner, Peter Deal, has warned his participation is ground dependant.
He said: “He was due to run back there this weekend but if the ground isn’t soft enough he won’t run, so it needs to rain.”
Baily Green, Foildubh and Lucky William complete the field.
