Vedette looks to be leader of pack

PUNCHESTOWN PREVIEW:VOLER LA Vedette takes the first step in a campaign that could see her end up in Cheltenham's Champion Hurdle when she attempts back-to-back victories in today's Listed feature at Punchestown. Colm Murphy's high-class mare takes on eight opponents in the Grabel Mares Hurdle and comes out a clear winner in terms of official figures.

Despite Elyaadi being raised 19lb for the impressive handicap success at Listowel last month, she still comes up over a stone short of Voler La Vedette on ratings.

The likely favourite found the trip possibly too far when third to Quevega in the David Nicholson Hurdle last season at Cheltenham and then made no impression in Punchestown’s Championship behind Hurricane Fly.

Voler La Vedette is currently a 33 to 1 shot in ante-post betting for the Champion Hurdle in March and Murphy is anticipating a big show this afternoon.

“She has done really well during the summer. She will be better for the run but I think she should still go very well. The conditions suit and she’ll give a good account of herself,” he said yesterday.

Barry Geraghty is on board again and a good performance today will also boost stable confidence ahead of next month’s Fortria at Navan where the Champion Chase winner Big Zeb is due to return to action.

“It will be a similar plan to last year with Big Zeb except this time we probably won’t go to Sandown for the Tingle Creek. We’re more likely to wait for Leopardstown (Dial-A-Bet Chase) at Christmas,” Murphy added.

Unseasonal fast ground could also see Geraghty make a bold attempt on the handicap chase today aboard Norther Bay who should thrive in the conditions.

Just seven line up for the concluding Beginners Chase but they include the high-class hurdler Muirhead, a former Grade One winner over the smaller obstacles.

A second-last flight mistake didn’t help First Lieutenant’s cause on his hurdling debut at Navan but this former point-to-point and bumper winner can use that experience to score today.

Admiral Barry well up to task

ADMIRAL BARRY has never before faced the two-mile plus trip of Saturday’s Cesarewitch at Newmarket but Co Kilkenny trainer Eoin Griffin is not worried about stamina for the 7 to 1 favourite, writes Brian O’Connor.

Chris Hayes will team up with the horse who hasn’t been out of the first three in his last six starts and has notched up three victories including the amateur handicap at the Galway festival in July.

“Two miles around Galway and up that steep hill at the end is quite a test of stamina so I don’t think the trip will be an issue,” Griffin said yesterday.

Dermot Weld is set to be represented in the Cesarewitch by both Majestic Concorde and Universal Truth while Tom Hogan’s Mount Helicon was a mover in ante-post betting yesterday with Paddy Power cutting him to 16 to 1 from 25 to 1.