Naas test for Merdeka
Merdeka faces the acid test as he steps up to Grade Two company for the first time in Sunday’s Woodlands Park 100 Slaney Novice Hurdle at Naas.
Tom Taaffe’s well-regarded charge disappointed on his hurdling debut, but bounced back with a useful win at Fairyhouse last time.
He faces six rivals in the two-and-a-half-mile event, including the Noel Meade-trained Toofarback.
“I was pleased when he won at Punchestown and I thought he did it well enough - we just have to hope he is good enough now,” Meade said.
Alexander Taipan, fourth in Grade One company, also lines up along with Vic Venturi, Mister Top Notch, Thyne Again and Wild Ocean.
