Exciting Iktitaf starts back over hurdles

Iktitaf will revert to back to hurdles tomorrow when he contests the Ryan’s Cleaning Services Hurdle at Punchestown.

Noel Meade’s VC Bet Champion Novice Hurdle winner was last seen winning the Irish Cesarewitch on the level, but it is over obstacles that his handler has hopes of him reaching the top.

His victory at the Punchestown Festival was his second Grade One success of the season after he won the Royal Bond Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December, and Meade is of the opinion that this Listed contest is the ideal starting point for his campaign.

“He’s fine, he’s in good order. We’ve been happy enough with him since he ran in the Cesarewitch,” said Meade.

“He looks a real smart prospect, but I suppose it’s that time of the year.

“He was good at Punchestown and he seems well since his run on the Flat and since then he hasn’t taken a step back or anything.

“He’s gone the right way and it looks a nice race to run him in. It looks an ideal starting point for him.”

Iktitaf will face three rivals in the two-mile-two-furlong contest – Willie Mullins’ Davenport Democrat, Daniel O’Connell’s Sir Overbury and Tom Taaffe’s Baker’s Bridge.