Flyer one to watch tomorrow

All eyes will be on Moscow Flyer in the BETDAQ.com Champion Steeplechase at Punchestown tomorrow as he bids to atone for a costly failure in this race last season.

Mon, 26 Apr, 2004 - 18:49

All eyes will be on Moscow Flyer in the BETDAQ.com Champion Steeplechase at Punchestown tomorrow as he bids to atone for a costly failure in this race last season.

On that occasion he started the 4/11 favourite and was in the lead when blundering badly at the second-last fence, giving jockey Barry Geraghty no chance of staying in the saddle, leaving Flagship Uberalles to win easily.

Jessica Harrington’s charge will always give his supporters a couple of anxious moments with his jumping but, after a brilliant display at Aintree last time, he looks set to record another memorable victory and bring his tally over fences to 14.

Old rival Native Upmanship and the useful Native Scout are sure to run well but with the ground drying out by the minute perhaps the Noel Meade-trained Strong Run can follow him home.

The Colm Murphy-trained Brave Inca returns to action in the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle following his epic victory in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and, while he looks the likely favourite, he faces some very smart rivals in what should be a cracking contest.

There are three English raiders engaged, with recent Aintree winner Royal Shakespeare sure to be a big threat, while the likes of Royal Alphabet and Dawn Invasion are two other home contenders bound to figure prominently.

The Ellier Developments Novice Steeplechase has cut up rather disappointingly, with only four runners, but a fascinating race is in store with English raider Lord Sam sure to take all the beating after a fine season.

However, following his smooth win in the Power's Gold Cup, perhaps Michael Hourigan’s Hi Cloy can score again with the two-and-a-half mile trip sure to suit him ideally.

First Race: 2.10pm

TOTE Jackpot Guarantee: €50,000

Ones To Watch:

2.10 Takagi

2.40 Hi Cloy

3.15 Moscow Flyer

3.50 Royal Alphabet

4.25 Always

Racecard

2.10pm: Kildare Hunt Club Steeplechase

2.40pm: Ellier Developments Novice Steeplechase

3.15pm: BETDAQ.com Champion Steeplechase