The much talked about Boston Bob aims to book his ticket to next month's Cheltenham Festival in the Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

The eight-year-old was Ireland's leading staying novice hurdler last season, winning each of his three starts on home turf before finding the ill-fated Brindisi Breeze too strong in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham in March. He just prevailed when long odds-on for his chasing debut at Navan in December.

"I was hoping to find an easier contest than this for him, but if he's going to go to Cheltenham he's got to go and prove he's up to it. I think the drying ground is a help and on his homework I think he's improving," said Mullins.

"He lacks a bit of experience, but I think he's up to it, and either way I think he'll gain some good experience from running in a Grade One race like this."

Boston Bob is entered in four novice chases at Cheltenham next month, ranging from the two-mile Arkle Trophy to the four-mile National Hunt Chase, and Mullins went on: "We gave him all the entries, but I haven't been able to get as many runs into him as I'd have liked. We're looking at longer trips with him ."

Officially the highest rated horse in the field is the Dessie Hughes-trained Lyreen Legend. The six-year-old won on his chasing debut at Galway, was second to Boston Bob's stablemate Back In Focus at Punchestown and then fell when still travelling well behind the same horse at Leopardstown meeting.

Hughes said: "He's in good shape and was travelling well enough there the last day when he came down, so you'd think he'd have a good chance. He was nearly a Grade One horse over hurdles, so I think he should be up to it, and the ground doesn't make any difference to him. He goes on anything."

Texas Jack is turned out relatively quickly by Noel Meade, having landed a Grade Two prize over the course and distance two weeks ago.

Meade said: "He's in good form and I've been very happy with him since the last day. It's maybe coming up a bit soon, but it's a Grade One race and the same distance and track as his last run, so I suppose it makes sense to have a go at it.

"It's a good race, but whatever happens I think we'll be staying at home with our lad. At the moment we'd be looking towards Fairyhouse (Powers Gold Cup), rather than going to Cheltenham."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests