Ground concerns for First Lieutenant

Mouse Morris believes the ground is more of a concern than the trip for First Lieutenant in today’s Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown.

The dual Grade One-winning hurdler ran easily his best race over fences when second to Bobs Worth in the three-mile RSA Chase at Cheltenham last month and drops right back to two miles tomorrow.

Morris admits his stable star is better over a longer trip, but with conditions set to ride very testing, he is not keen on giving his charge a slog in the mud at this relatively early stage of his career.