Moore dual-handed in Pierse

Arthur Moore is preparing to launch a two-pronged strike on Sunday’s Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown with Lenrey and Well Mounted.

The former will carry 10st 9lb in the valuable handicap if Willie Mullins elects to declare current top-weight Adamant Approach.

Lenrey stretched to an effortless victory at Fairyhouse in early December, and although the seven-year-old has shot up the handicap as a result, Moore still thinks he will go well at the weekend.

Reflecting on that victory, he said: “He did it very well on the day. He’d been working very well at home and I was hopeful that he’d recovered from a bug he had last year.

“He did it well but got a 15lb penalty in the process which is a fair hike to get going into a race like the Pierse. But he’s in good form, we’re very happy with him and I’m expecting a big run.”

And with reference to the likely heavy going, Moore added: "It’s going to be as testing as it can get but it’s the same for all of them. I think he’d prefer better ground but he should handle it OK. Davy Russell rides Lenrey and Philip Carberry will be on Well Mounted."

Carberry will be having his first ride on the latter, who finished fifth behind Acambo in the Ladbroke Handicap when last seen in racecourse action. Prior to that, he had delighted the County Kildare handler when finishing a close third behind Victram at Down Royal.

Of that performance, he said: “It was a good run and it was on the basis of that that we decided to go to Ascot (for the Ladbroke). I don’t really think he deserved to be favourite last time but he ran a respectable race, he just wasn’t quite good enough on the day.

“It was respectable though and I think he wants a bit further so the Pierse might be his last time over two miles. We’ll then look to step him up.”