Leading chance for Meade
Leading Run is set to make his first appearance over hurdles at Punchestown tomorrow, the scene of his finest triumph.
Noel Meade’s seven-year-old won the Grade One Champion Bumper at the track in April beating the hero of the Cheltenham equivalent, Hairy Molly, in the process.
Unbeaten in four starts in National Hunt Flat races, the Supreme Leader gelding became Nina Carberry’s first Grade One winner and is already 11-1 favourite for the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle at Cheltenham with Coral.
However, Meade issued a slight warning ahead of the Punchestown 2007 Annual Membership Maiden Hurdle.
“Leading Run has just been a bit sticky with his jumping (at home),” said the County Meath-handler.
“He has not been electric as I would have liked, but he is getting better all the time.
“I’m sure after a run he will know what to do, he just might be a bit sticky though. He’s a tough horse, very nice.”
Meade also revealed that from four entries he is likely to rely on Watson Lake in the Star “Best For Racing” Chase on Thursday, where he could come up against Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition.
The two mile and six furlong contest saw Mouse Morris’ charge spring to prominence last year when he beat former champion Kicking King by three lengths.
Watson Lake had previously shown smart form over two miles but after finishing fourth behind War Of Attrition in the Guinness Gold Cup, Meade is keen to keep him over extended trips.
“I think Watson Lake will take on War Of Attrition,” said Meade.
“We were happy enough with how he ran at Punchestown over three miles for the first time so we will try him over longer trips this year.”
