Any concerns that Noel Meade had about the form shown by some of his string recently must have eased with Roses Of Picardy's win at Thurles on Thursday and with that in mind his star novice Cardinal Hill is selected to beat Colonel Yaeger in a fascinating clash at Punchestown tomorrow.
These two are among the best of the current crop of novice hurdlers being prepared for Cheltenham and tomorrow's Grade Two race will tell us much about their chances.
Both have been beaten once over hurdles. Colonel Yaeger went down honourably to Joe Mac at Leopardstown over Christmas but Cardinal Hill's second to Alexander Banquet last December was less clear cut.
Cardinal Hill's well-chronicled mistake down the back straight caused him to be in front much too soon but he was still only beaten on the line. It did little to diminish the horse's towering reputation and he must still rank in the forefront of the Irish challenge for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the festival.
A blood test on Cardinal Hill showed up clear during the week and although the question of pace arises in this four-horse contest, a fit and well Cardinal Hill has buckets of finishing speed and is taken to beat the Colonel.
Meade's Cockney Lad was involved in some controversy last weekend when finishing third at Naas. The usual waiting tactics employed on the former Irish champion hurdle winner didn't work on that occasion but although still a maiden over fences, Cockney Lad, at his best, looks to pack too much firepower for the opposition in the Tied Cottage Chase.
The other steeplechasing highlight of the day is the Grand National Trial which will take some getting in the inevitably testing conditions.
The Leopardstown chase runner up Roundwood is sure to run a good race again but preference is for Pinkpinkfizz, a winner over three miles and five furlongs, and one of those affected by the start at the Thyestes. In the circumstances Tom Taaffe's stayer did well to run a decent race and with his stamina assured, Pinkpinkfizz can land this slogging match.
