Moore eyeing another Pierce win

Racing:  Arthur Moore is set to be double-handed in the valuable Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown this weekend.

Racing: Arthur Moore is set to be double-handed in the valuable Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown this weekend.

Both Tiger Cry and Lenrey are likely to take their chance for the Co Kildare trainer on Sunday, a race Moore last won 10 years ago with Graphic Equaliser.

Tiger Cry was last seen finishing third behind Hoo La Baloo in a valuable chase at Ascot, while Lenrey lost out in a ding-dong battle with Sky's The Limit for the Durkan New Homes Novice Chase.

"Tiger Cry ran a hell of a race at Ascot, it was his first run since last April," said Moore.

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"He is a bit hard to place at the moment having been placed in some good races.

"I know he has run some good races over fences, but he is just as proficient over hurdles and this fits in to his programme quite nicely."

Lenrey is set to go straight back over fences after the weekend.

Moore went on: "It's a very valuable race — the owner was quite anxious to have a go at it and I'm quite happy to do it.

"The ground will be a factor, Tiger Cry wouldn't want it heavy so if it does come up soft the lesser chance he would have, but it wouldn't bother Lenrey.

"Lenrey will go back over fences after this as that was only his second run over fences and it was very promising," Moore told At The Races.

Charles Byrnes is under no illusions as to the task facing his contender Merchent Paddy.

The seven-year-old made the trip to Chepstow worthwhile on his penultimate start when he landed a few hefty bets and followed up at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day.

He has a 9lb penalty as a result.

"He'll probably run. His penalty means he should get in," said Byrnes. "It's doubtful he'd have the speed to win it, he's more of a stayer, but we'll let him take his chance. We've no great expectations.

"He's lightly-raced, but we are viewing him as more of a three-mile chaser for next year.

"A bit more rain might help his chance and slow the others down a bit. I think his form is only average compared to some of the others, though."

Merchent Paddy is a general 16-1 chance for the valuable pot.