RACING: The final confirmation of Limestone Lad's absence from Cheltenham guarantees even more of a spotlight on Bannow Bay at Navan tomorrow.
The Christy Roche-trained star will need to win the Boyne Hurdle with some style to maintain his position in the ante-post market for the Stayers' Hurdle.
Bannow Bay is as low as 4 to 1 second favourite with Cashmans for the festival pot and the Grade Two contest tomorrow should be little more than an exercise gallop.
"This should put the final touches to him. He is ready for a race and we'll be disappointed if he doesn't win," Roche said.
Those looking for other Cheltenham clues on the card could be left underwhelmed, although Strong Run does go in the handicap chase.
The festival hopeful won over the course last time but could be edged out on this occasion by Its Time For A Win. The Mullins runner looked slightly unlucky when beaten by Falcon Du Coteau at Leopardstown.
The versatile Canon Barney can get off the mark over hurdles in the first division of the maiden, especially considering his remarkable effort when running on fourth to Final Act in a Leopardstown bumper.
It has emerged that Monday week is the most likely date for the Turf Club to hear the appeal from Willie Mullins into the demotion of Scolardy from first place at Leopardstown last Sunday.
In other Turf Club news, the regulatory body have announced they will not fine trainers if their horses are non-runners due to veterinary reasons.
However, veterinary certificates will have to be available to the Turf Club within three days and stables will be subject to random checks from officials.
The Turf Club also reported yesterday that the "off-feed" excuse for a non-runner will no longer be acceptable.
