Hogan set sights on Pierse

Tom Hogan intends running both last year's third Silver Jaro and Kirkbybroguelantern, who is dropping back to two miles, in the Pierse Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Silver Jaro, who sprang a 50-1 surprise in last season’s County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, has been trained with this race specifically in mind.

“We were happy enough with his last run in November. This has been his target for some time so hopefully he'll run well in it again and hopefully the weights will stay as they are,” said the Tipperary trainer.

Noel Fehily was in the plate when Silver Jaro took minor honours behind Barker last January and will take the mount again as long as he is passed fit after damaging his collarbone in a fall at Fontwell just before Christmas.

“Noel tells that me he’ll be passed fit and if he is, he rides," said Hogan.