Oj set to bypass Punchestown

Sir Oj is likely to sidestep the John Durkan Memorial Chase on December 10 as connections are considering other options for their nine-year-old.

Noel Meade’s gelding has made a good start to the present campaign by landing a couple of Grade Two events, but the County Meath handler feels the Punchestown race is likely to prove very competitive.

“I’m not quite sure where Sir Oj is going to turn out next,” he said.

“He’s entered in the John Durkan but I don’t think he’s going to turn up there as that’s going to be a very, very hot race with War Of Attrition and a few others looking at that.

“I think we’ll look for something a little bit less than that but he’s in good shape.

“He’s best when he doesn’t run too often, so once every six weeks to two months is fine for him.

“He’s won one decent pot already this season so it would be good if we can land another,” he told At The Races.

Meade also had news of Rosaker, who recently returned to action with a pleasing victory at Navan.

“Rosaker is in the Hatton’s Grace, although I would say it is unlikely he will take his chance there,” he said.

“I’m pretty sure he would wait for the three-mile hurdle (the woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle, December 28) at Leopardstown over Christmas.”