Ibal heading for Punchestown
Progressive novice Ibal looks set to tackle his biggest test to date at Punchestown on Thursday, ground permitting.
Trainer Dina Smith has earmarked the Grade One Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase over two miles for her seven-year-old, winner of his last four starts over fences, most recently when beating the Queen’s First Love at Sandown last month.
“If the ground is going to be soft or softer we’ll be there – we could have run at Sandown on Friday but we’ve just hung on,” said Smith of her former Imperial Cup winner.
“He’s come out of his last run in fine form and he’s better having a break between his races.
“We’ve just waited for the ground really – he shines when it’s very soft.”
Possible rivals in the Swordlestown include Henrietta Knight’s Impek and the Paul Nicholls-trained Le Roi Miguel.
