Limestone Lad might not be fit enough to test the Champion Hurdle pretenders at Leopardstown tomorrow but the consolation prize at Naas today looks his for the taking.
The James Bowe owned and trained star has eight opponents in the Bank Of Ireland Hurdle and officially has over a stone in hand of his nearest rival.
Normally it would be a no contest for one of the country's most popular and durable racehorses but a slight element of doubt is brought to the party by an over reach Limestone Lad picked up in his last race.
Michael Bowe was seriously pondering a crack at the AIG because of the recent weather but that was finally put to bed on Wednesday in favour of the staying option.
"He worked on Wednesday and just blew a little hard after it so we will take the route he took last year. We will look at the Boyne Hurdle at Navan after Naas," Bowe said.
That mid-week blow brings just a chink of hope to the opposition today but Limestone Lad should be capable of solidifying his position as 7 to 1 second favourite for the Bonusprint Stayers Hurdle.
The Woodlands Park Novice Chase brings some of the better young fencers into play and Risk Accessor can be fancied to atone for an expensive failure at Limerick on St Stephen's Day.
Risk Accessor wound up only third to Ellenjay when odds on but Christy Roche's string produced some in and out performances at that time and the horse is better judged on a runner up position to Harbour Pilot in the Drinmore. That gives him the winning of today's race.
The Racing Writers Novice Hurdle looks a trappy contest with Petersham, unlucky at Navan last time, sure to be fancied to recoup losses.
How he would have done against Ground Ball had he not exited at the second last is open to question although there were many who Petersham down as the likely winner. Whether he would have beaten the Swan runner as easily as Murrayfield did over Christmas is another matter.Dermot Weld's tough operator travelled like a winner throughout and could just be up to following up today.
Tuco's bumper win at Fairyhouse in May looks pretty good now and his appearance in the maiden hurdle will be eagerly awaited .
