Classy entry for Punchestown feature

Straw Bear and Sweet Wake head 13 entries for the VC Bet Champion Novice Hurdle over two miles next Tuesday, the first day of the Punchestown Festival.

Nick Gifford’s Straw Bear followed up a fine performance at the Cheltenham Festival, where he was pipped on the line by Noland, with a scintillating win at the Grand National meeting.

Sweet Wake was sent off the 5-2 favourite in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park but could only trail in fifth for Noel Meade.

Just in front of Sweet Wake that day was the former Michael Stoute inmate Sublimity, now in the care of Co Kildare-handler John Carr.

Carr is hoping for a bit more luck in running than at Cheltenham, where he was hampered by a loose horse at the top of the hill.

“The horse is in great form,” he said.

“He worked yesterday with another horse of mine called Alamiyan, who I also got from Sir Michael Stoute.

“They went a good strong gallop over a mile and two furlongs and he won easily.

“There were several others galloping but they were well behind. Everything is on course for next week.

“A few people have said he was unlucky at Cheltenham but there were a lot of hard luck stories there. It will be a smaller field next week though so it will be harder to find trouble in running.

“It looks a cracking race with Straw Bear and Sweet Wake again but we’ll give it a go.”

Champion Irish trainer Meade could possibly saddle two other runners in the shape of Grade One winner Iktitaf and former smart Flat performer Jazz Messenger.

“At the moment Iktitaf and Sweet Wake are intended runners but I’m not sure about Jazz Messenger.

"I left him in but we’ll have to see how he is nearer the time,” said Meade.

“Iktitaf has done well enough since he’s been back in full training. He’s done a couple of bits of work and he seems fine.

“You’d have to be disappointed with Sweet Wake at Cheltenham but he wasn’t beaten far. Hopefully he can be a bit better next week.”

Among others entered in the Grade One contest are Tom Taaffe’s recent Fairyhouse scorer Glenfinn Captain and Charles Byrnes’ Mounthenry.