Meade keen on Apache’s chances
Third in the Champion Bumper at Punchestown in April of last year, the six-year-old won on his first two starts over hurdles last autumn but was then off the track until the spring.
He disappointed on his return to action at Fairyhouse, but bounced back by chasing home Vautour upon his return to Punchestown.
Meade said: “He’s a horse we like and he’s ready to go. He might not be 110 per cent wound up, but I think he’s fairly straight.
“He’s had an interrupted time of things, through no fault of his own, but he hasn’t done a lot wrong. He’s a talented horse and we’re looking forward to getting going with him.”
Meade’s recent Naas runner-up Champoleon is joined by stable companion Fiddlers Way in the opening Eventsec Maiden Hurdle.
“Champoleon looked unlucky the last day as he didn’t jump well in the straight and was beaten less than a length. He looks like he’ll benefit from the step up in trip,” said Meade.
“Fiddlers Way wants a trip and the softer the ground the better for him.”
The trainer is also double-handed in the Robinson Services Handicap Chase with JP McManus’ Formidableopponent and London Bridge, whom Meade owns.
Meade said: “London Bridge is probably rated high enough for what he’s done. He isn’t a big horse and maybe carrying less weight in a better race might help.
“The other horse was disappointing in Cork. Maybe he was a bit keen, so we’ll try and get him to settle better.”
