Sheehy ace faces acid test

Eamon Sheehy hopes his Arkle Trophy hope Justified is up to the task when tackling Grade One company at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day.

The six-year-old has created a big impression by making all the running to win his two starts over fences, both at Punchestown.

The Leading Counsel gelding now faces his biggest test to date in the Durkan New Homes Novice Chase over two miles and a furlong.

“It’s all systems go. He’s very well in himself,” said Sheehy. “We’re happy with the horse. I actually rode him myself this morning and he’s in great shape.

“He’s been very good so far. It’s another slight step up in class, but he’s done nothing wrong.”

Seven horses take on Justified, including Noel Meade’s Wild Passion and the Michael Hourigan-trained Arteea, who were well beaten in second and fourth places respectively behind Justified in a Grade Two chase five weeks ago.

Missed That takes his chance having got off the mark over fences at the second attempt over two and a half miles at Navan recently after finishing third when odds-on at Thurles.

“I was very pleased with him at Navan. He’d made a lot of progress between his two runs,” said Willie Mullins of last season’s Champion Bumper hero.

“He will have to make as much again to be competitive in this race, but I think he will learn a lot jumping with these good horses. It’s a reasonably hot race.

“The drop in trip might be a problem, but I just felt it might be good experience for him.”

Kill Devil Hill, trained by Paul Nolan, was beaten four lengths on his fencing debut by Wild Passion at Punchestown in November, but has gone on to win his last two starts.

Doctor Linton, trained by Michael O’Brien, and Patrick O’Brady’s Baron de Feypo are the other runners.