Bolger duo given Naas targets

Enda Bolger’s two cross-country stars Garde Champetre and L’Ami are to make a belated return to the track over hurdles at Naas this Saturday.

Garde Champetre, five times a winner over the specialist course at Cheltenham, has not been out since finishing second to Lacdoudal in an event at the Paddy Power meeting and tackles the Cheltenham Trial Day 20th Feb Handicap Hurdle.

L’Ami traditionally does better over the banks at Punchestown, winning on his most recent outing in the Risk Of Thunder Chase in November, and he will aim a little higher in the Listed EBF Irish Racing Writers Hurdle.

“At the moment they are both going there because they are gagging for a run,” said Bolger.

“Garde has not had a run since November because the cross-country race at Cheltenham in December was called off.

“I think he’ll go to Naas and then maybe for a cross-country race at Punchestown at the end of the month before Cheltenham.

“I’ll do something with L’Ami as well, although they won’t race each other until Cheltenham.

“L’Ami’s race will be hot. He did win over hurdles at Galway and I would hope he might pick up some prize-money.

“But they will both need the run.”