Griffin: Kazal still improving

Eoin Griffin insists there is more to come this season from smart staying hurdler Kazal, who returns to the track in the Grade Two Philips Electronics Lismullen Hurdle at Navan on Sunday.

The seven-year-old has won seven of his 11 starts over hurdles but put up what was probably a career-best effort to finish third in the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

“The plan is for Kazal is to run on Sunday and the horse is in very good nick,” said County Kilkenny-based Griffin.

“The two and a half miles is probably a bit on the short side, but there is nothing much over three miles in Ireland for him until Christmas.

“After Sunday he will go over two and half miles again in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse (November 30) and then to Ascot for the Long Walk Hurdle (December 20).

“We were delighted with him in the World Hurdle, but I think it is going to be very hard to beat Kasbah Bliss this season.

“That said, I think there is a bit of improvement in Kazal and if the ground came up on the soft side at Cheltenham, we might at least keep Kasbah Bliss honest.”