Justified back at Punchestown

Justified is on course to return to the fray in the Byrne Group plc Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown on Sunday.

The nine-year-old has been sidelined with a leg injury sustained when trailing home the last of eight finishers behind Mossbank at Clonmel in November.

However, he is reported to be in fine shape again.

“He goes to Punchestown on Sunday for the Tied Cottage, so it’s all systems go for him,” said trainer Dusty Sheehy.

“He tore a ligament in his hock on his last run, but he’s 100% again now.”

The Kilkenny-based handler plans to aim Trafford Lad at the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle without a prep run.

“He is going straight to Cheltenham. He’s just been ticking over and is in great form,” Sheehy added.

Trafford Lad, who failed by just ahead to defy a Group One penalty at Naas earlier this month, is 12-1 third favourite for his Festival objective.