Inca getting back on track

NEWS ROUND-UP:BRAVE INCA is likely to stick to his proven trip of two miles when he begins a new campaign later this month.

Trainer Colm Murphy is looking at the options for the 2006 Champion Hurdle hero, who has been sidelined for the last 18 months.

"He's pretty forward at the moment, but we're not sure exactly where we were are going," said the Co Wexford-based handler. "I was hoping to have him out earlier but he's just taken a bit more time than I thought he would. It's up in the air, but there are a few races for him later on in the month.

"He's been back since the end of June and fingers crossed he seems as good as ever. We'll start him off at two miles and he will go over further but it all depends what's there for him. I imagine he'd go the same route as in previous years."

Murphy reported Megans Joy to be in fine form following her victory in a Grade Two hurdle at Tipperary on Sunday.

"She seems to be improving and only now is she coming to herself," he added.

"She'll probably go to Down Royal for a novice hurdle and some of the better races later on."

Meanwhile, Ponmeoath will bid to add Sunday's Munster National at Limerick to his success in the Kerry National.

Eric McNamara's eight-year-old last month landed back-to-back wins in the Listowel feature when beating Oulart by three lengths.

However, his attempt to capture the Munster National last year failed when he could only finish fourth to Mossbank.

"He's in great form and is all set to go for the Munster National on Sunday," said the Rathkeale-based handler.

While Cesarewitch favourite Askar Tau is pleasing his trainer Marcus Tregoning with less than two weeks to go before the big race, trainer Eric McNamara intends sending over Larkwing in search of a share of the prize money.

Askar Tau's progression means the handicapper has been unable to keep up with him and while he should be racing off a mark of 105 on Saturday week, he will actually race off just 96.

Seven-year-old Larkwing is reported to be none for the worse after finishing second to Megans Joy in the Grade Two Tipperary Hurdle on Sunday.

"He seems fine and we're happy with him. It would have been nicer to win but he ran very well," said McNamara.

"We are definitely considering it (the Cesarewitch) and he will be left in at the five-day stage.

• Connections of It's Gino have appealed against the Longchamp stewards' decision to name the German raider a dead-heat third in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Trainer Pavel Vovcenko is adamant the five-year-old held an advantage over Aidan O'Brien's Soldier Of Fortune at the line, having closely analysed details of the photo-finish.