Dreaper: Pere will improve for the run

Jim Dreaper is looking forward to seeing his stable star Notre Pere make his first start of the campaign in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal tomorrow.

The eight-year-old showed serious progression last season, winning the Welsh National at Chepstow before rounding off the campaign with an impressive display in the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup.

Dreaper admits the right-handed track on Saturday is probably not ideal, but he is just keen to get a run into his charge before considering future plans.

“He’s fine and in good form and we’re looking forward to getting started with him,” said Dreaper.

“The ground should be fine for him and maybe ideally he’s more effective going to the left. It’s not a major problem but he just leans a bit to the left all the time.

“He’s straight enough to run but he is a lazy, relaxed big horse, so hopefully the run will improve him a good deal.

“I just want to get him going, get the run under his belt and see where we go. Hopefully he’ll run a good race.”