Leavy star may duck Gowran test

Sophocles is likely to bypass an engagement at Gowran on Friday and wait for an opening at Leopardstown over Christmas.

The James Leavy-trained four-year-old made an encouraging start to his hurdling career when finishing second at Gowran to a more experienced rival.

And after chasing home Cork All Star in the Cheltenham bumper in March, Leavy has high hopes for him again this season.

“He worked this morning but I would imagine we’ll wait for a race at Leopardstown over Christmas,” he said.

“I’m tempted to take them on on Friday as he’s so well, but the race on December 27 for four-year-olds looks more likely.

“We couldn’t have been happier with his first run and Paddy (Flood) said that he was a bit novicey at the first two flights but he then got him going.

“It was just his class that got him into that position really but he was never really out of third gear because once the winner had flown, he (Flood) looked after him.

“At the moment I wouldn’t swap our horse for any horse and either Paddy or Ruby (Walsh) will ride him as Ruby has done all the schooling.

“I wouldn’t want to run him in really soft ground this early in the season as we are training him for March.”

Sophocles is 16-1 with Boylesports and Stan James for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.