Oscar ready to challenge for Pierse

Philip Fenton hopes Son Of Oscar is improving rapidly enough to mount a serious challenge in the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The six-year-old gelding features among 29 other hopefuls who will bid for glory in the €130,000 two-mile event this weekend, sure to be run in testing conditions.

Ante-post favourite Kendor Dine has stood his ground along with other well-fancied contenders View Mount Prince, Quatre Heures, Lenrey and Victram.

The notable absentee is original top-weight Adamant Approach, who runs later on the card.

Son Of Oscar stayed on strongly to see off Streetshavenoname on his penultimate start at Cork before finishing second over the Pierse Hurdle course and distance last time.

Fenton was more than satisfied with that recent effort and has been delighted with the way preparations have gone for the ever-competitive showpiece handicap.

“Everything’s gone to plan, absolutely,” said the County Tipperary handler.

“We’re very happy with the horse and he’s come out of the Leopardstown race in great form.

“We’re well aware that he’ll have to improve from his Leopardstown race but we think he has. I was happy enough with that run and I hope it’s just put him right for this race on Sunday. And with regard to the likely heavy going, he said: “It’s fresh ground at least so we’d have to be satisfied and Shay Barry will ride him.”