Notre Pere ripe for Lexus bid

Jim Dreaper is confident Notre Pere can regain his old sparkle in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown next Monday.

The eight-year-old enjoyed a fantastic campaign last season, winning the Welsh National, finishing second in an Irish Hennessy and establishing himself as Ireland’s leading staying chaser in the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup.

This season has not gone so smoothly following a heavy fall at Down Royal and a no-show in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, but Dreaper is hopeful his charge is now back on song.

“We think he’s fine and we didn’t find anything wrong in the veterinary department after his run at Haydock,” said Dreaper.

“We just think he was feeling the effects of a heavy fall at Down Royal but we have taken him away for a racecourse school and everything has gone nicely.

“Obviously he’s got to go and do it in a race again now and we’ll just have to see what happens.

“We’re happy with him at the moment and obviously it’s going to be a very good race, but to be honest, I’m not too concerned about what else is in the race.

“If he runs like he did at Haydock he’ll beat no man’s horse, but if he can run to some of his previous form he’ll go there with a good chance.”