Limestone may be switched

RACING/News round-up: Limestone Lad is on target for a probable tilt at the Kevin McManus Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown, but a dramatic drop back to two miles at the festival has not been ruled out.

The star's trainer, Michael Bowe said yesterday: "I'm torn between the three-mile race and the two-mile (Emo Oil Champion Hurdle). His ideal trip is two and a half but there is no championship race at Punchestown over that trip.

"If something was to happen to Ned Kelly, I think we would go for the two-mile race. But if Ned Kelly runs, we will go for the three-mile.

"I know we've beaten Ned Kelly already this season but I think we just got lucky that day. The longer race looks the more realistic chance of winning."

The good news is that Limestone Lad has emerged in good shape from his third on the flat at the Curragh on Sunday and there has been no reaction to the back injury that kept him out of Cheltenham.

"That is history now, long forgotten. He's come out of the Curragh in brilliant shape after probably blowing harder than any other horse in the race.

"I couldn't have been more pleased and he looked at me after the race as if to say it's great to be back.

"That run will bring him on an awful lot, but I couldn't put a percentage on how fit he will be for Punchestown," Bowe reported.

The prospect of quick ground for the festival will be a concern for many, but Bowe insists there will be no concerns if the going at Punchestown is "good" .

"The long-range forecast is for the weather to break next week," he said.

The festival begins in 13 days time, with the BMW Chase the highlight of the opening afternoon, and the Liverpool winner Native Upmanship has been confirmed on course for it.

"He is a very genuine horse who had been runner-up in three Grade Ones this season and deserved to win on Friday," trainer Arthur Moore said yesterday.

The maiden hurdle has been split three ways to make a seven-race card at Gowran today after Monday's verdict that the flat track is unraceable.

The Young Bishop, Golfeur and Go On Eileen could provide the answer to the various legs of the maiden, but the feature is the five-runner novice chase.

Copernicus was well behind when refusing at the third last in the Irish National but officially has 1lb in hand on the ratings with Michael Mor.

The Meade runner was pulled up in the Power Gold Cup behind Big-And-Bold but is a type that should appreciate the forecast "yielding" ground.