Bowe fears weight may be Lad's undoing

RACING NEWS: Limestone Lad could be trying the impossible against his old rival Liss A Paoraigh at Navan on Sunday according to the man who knows him best.

Michael Bowe, son of permit holder James Bowe, said yesterday that the concession of over a stone in weight to Liss A Paoraigh will more than likely end Limestone Lad's unbeaten streak this season in the Giltspur Scientific Hurdle.

"If he is beaten over hurdles this season, it will be Sunday. I don't think there is a horse in the country that could give a stone to Liss A Paoraigh over two and a half miles and win," Bowe said.

Liss A Paoraigh has been runner-up to Limestone Lad twice this season in the Morgiana and the Lismullen both of which were run at Navan as well.

In the Lismullen in early November, she got to within two lengths of the top stayer while receiving just 5lb. This weekend she gets 15lb. The first day we were all out to beat her and if we are to be beaten, I hope it is by John Kiely's mare. She's a class horse," Bowe declared.

"After the Hatton's Grace, I gave him a few days holiday because he had done everything we wanted. Earlier in the week I got a fright at how much condition he put on and how much he blew after a bit of work. That's my fault. But we have to run or he'll be short for Christmas," he added.

The Bowe family colours will also be prominent in Sunday's Barry & Sandra Kelly Novice Hurdle as Solerina is "screaming for a race" according to her trainer.

However, Bowe faces a hard decision about who rides Solerina as her normal rider Gary Hutchinson will be unable to use his claim.

"The conditions of the race say riding allowances can't be used so there could be a change," he said. "Solerina will more than likely run against Pizarro. She's well in herself and screaming for a race." Solerina has won at Thurles and Punchestown since being beaten two lengths by the SunAlliance favourite Pizarro in the "Monksfield" at Navan last month.

Christy Roche has a choice of engagements for Bannow Bay at Navan but before that the Curragh trainer plans to run Youlneverwalkalone in the Tripleprint Gold Cup at Cheltenham tomorrow. A winner at Thurles last time, the JP McManus-owned horse will be returning to the track where he disappointed in last season's Arkle. The McManus colours were carried to Tripleprint success by Go Roger Go just two years ago.

Jessica Harrington has confirmed that Moscow Flyer, will return to action in the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown in 14 days time. "The horse is fit and well and will take his chance," said the trainer. Moscow Flyer fell at the fifth in the Tingle Creek at Sandown last Saturday.