Beef on target for Mate clash

Beef Or Salmon looks set to clash with Best Mate in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Ireland’s top staying chaser has recovered from an overreach suffered when winning the James Nicholson Chase at Down Royal two weeks ago.

“He’s fine now,” said trainer Michael Hourigan today.

The handler has short-listed three races next month for the eight-year-old’s next start – the O’Connell Transport Hilly Way Chase over two miles at Cork, a race he has won for the last two seasons, the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown and the Lexus Chase on December 28.

“It’s more likely going to be the Lexus,” said Hourigan.

Beef Or Salmon was third in the corresponding race last Christmas when it was known as the Ericsson Chase.

He was beaten 13 lengths by the winner Best Mate, who is on course for a repeat following his hard-fought victory at Exeter today.

When it was suggested that Best Mate might be travelling over to Ireland again, Hourigan added: “That’ll be fine.”