RACING/News Round-Up: The Limestone Lad team admitted yesterday they are tempted to run their star stayer in the AIG Champion Hurdle in 11 days time. Limestone Lad has an alternative option in the Bank Of Ireland Hurdle at Naas the day before the two-mile feature but no decision has been taken as to where he will run.
"The temptation is to go for it. Last year I was told I should have gone for the AIG but instead we went for the Bank Of Ireland which he won. This year I think he might be a better horse and there is that temptation.
"But I can't really say which race we will go for. I could change my mind tomorrow. I would say the AIG is 50-50 and a lot will depend on the ground and the opposition," said Michael Bowe, son of permit holder James Bowe.
The Co Kilkenny-based family are in the remarkable position of also having the star novice Solerina among the 20 entries for the AIG but a novice race is the more likely Leopardstown option for her.
Limestone Lad's exercise routine was hampered by last week's frosty weather but Bowe is confident that is just a short-term problem.
"No one was more glad to see the end of the frost than me, but a gallop or two should see him right back on track. I just don't like taking him off his routine.
"Having said that he is in great order. He is a type of horse who could race every weekend but after the next weekend the only real suitable option looks like being the Boyne Hurdle at Navan," he said.
Florida Pearl is rated no more than an 8 to 1 fifth favourite if he takes up the two-mile option of Saturday's Tote Exacta Chase.
Cashmans of Cork make Dark N Sharp and Seebald 9 to 2 joint favourites, with the Tripleprint winner Fondmort on 5 to 1. Young Deveraux is 11 to 2 and Florida Pearl is next best on eights.
The other Irish contender, Arthur Moore's Fadoudal Du Cochet, is rated a 10 to 1 shot in the ante-post list.
Dermot Weld warned yesterday that Party Airs will miss the Triumph Hurdle if the going at Cheltenham comes up fast.
Describing the horse's current price of 25 to 1 as "very fair", Weld said: "He is an adaptable horse who handles soft ground well. He is having an easy time now but I'll look for something three weeks before Cheltenham. I must warn punters, though, he would miss Cheltenham if it was fast and head to Punchestown instead."
The John Magnier colours, carried to Derby glory by Galileo, will be on view in the opening two-mile maiden hurdle at Down Royal today courtesy of Masteroffoxhounds.
The gelding showed the benefit of debut run at Navan by racking up a couple of bumper victories at Cork and looks a decent jumping prospect.
The opposition today includes the 95-rated Ronans Cottage and Graphic Storm who carries the Graphic Equalisier colours. Nevertheless, it will be a shock if Masteroffoxhounds is beaten.
Barry Cash travels north for the ride on Princess Symphony in the mares' novice chase and the journey should prove well worthwhile. The evidence of her 25-length defeat of Supreme Touch at Limerick over the Christmas period indicated a mare still on the up.
