Meade planning Navan raid

Noel Meade anticipates having a strong team at Sunday’s high-profile Navan meeting, headed by Aitmatov in the Grade Two Philips Electronics Lismullen Hurdle.

The seven-year-old was last seen finishing third behind Blazing Bailey in the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.

However, Meade feels he is better suited by the two-and-a-half-mile trip he will face on Sunday, an assertion which is supported by his victory in last year’s Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

“Aitmatov will run at Navan all being well and he seems to be in good form at home,” said the County Meath handler.

“I think this trip is perfect for him and he has won a Grade One over this distance so it should suit him very well.”

Meade is also looking forward to saddling his smart novice chase prospect Aran Concerto, who is likely to make his return from injury in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.

“Aran Concerto is an intended runner at the weekend and if all goes well, I would hope he will be ready for the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse (November 30),” the trainer continued.

Meade has both Fisher Bridge and Gay Sloane engaged in the Grade Three ’For Auction’ Novice Hurdle, with the former more likely to take his chance if the ground is not too soft.