RACING:Gordon Elliott's Roi Du Mee aims to follow up his good win at Punchestown in the John Meagher Memorial Chase at Thurles today.
The diminutive seven-year-old claimed a few notable scalps in the Star “Best For Racing Coverage” Chase, with Grade One winners Follow The Plan and Joncol left in his wake.
Only five go to post, including Jessica Harrington’s 2011 RSA Chase winner Bostons Angel but he has failed to recapture the form of his good novice campaign.
Ordinary Man, Quarryvale and Ballinahow Lady look to have a stiff task at the weights.
“He’s in good nick and it’s a small field, which suits him because he’s not very big,” said Elliott. “He came out of the Punchestown race in very good form and this looks a nice race for him. “We’ve got Jessica Harrington’s Bostons Angel to beat.”
Noel Meade is giving “strong consideration” to running Realt Dubh in Sunday’s Irish Form Book Fortria Chase at Navan. The eight-year-old looked likely to be involved in the finish of the Champion Chase at Down Royal last week before he collided in mid-air with First Lieutenant at the second-last fence.
While Meade has reservations about whether he would have stayed the three-mile trip, he is not too concerned about the drop to the minimum distance “I haven’t ruled it in and I haven’t ruled it out,” he told At The Races.
“I know it’s very quick coming from Saturday to the following Sunday but it’s a Grade Two race and we might have a shot at it. Flemenstar will be having his first run of the season but I know he’ll be very hard to beat any other time, so first time might be the time to beat him.
“My horse came out of the race very well. I suppose the bump knocked the stuffing out of him. Having said that, both Paul (Carberry) and myself feel that he doesn’t get three miles. His optimum trip is probably two-miles-two. We’re certainly giving it strong consideration.”
Viztoria will be prepared for the Irish 1,000 Guineas despite her defeat at Maisons-Laffitte on Tuesday.
Eddie Lynam’s filly had won her first two starts in the manner of a really smart juvenile and she confirmed that impression in Group Two company in France.
Having attempted to make all, Johnny Murtagh’s mount was caught close home over six furlongs by Penny’s Picnic and Lynam feels a step up in trip next season will see her in an even better light.
“We were happy with the filly and she’s eaten up,” said Lynam. “She’ll go on her winter break now and will be prepared for the Irish Guineas.
