JP McManus purchase Konitho bids to boost Cheltenham Festival claims

2.40 Naas
EMS Copiers Rated Novice Hurdle | 2m | 4yo | ITV4/RTV

Konitho, a recent addition to owner JP McManus's team with entries in the Sky Bet Supreme, Ballymore and JCB Triumph at Cheltenham, and Supreme and Triumph entry Band Of Outlaws give in-form trainer Joseph O'Brien a strong hand in this six-runner event.

Bought by McManus after landing a maiden hurdle by five lengths over course and distance last month, Konitho is the mount of Mark Walsh, while JJ Slevin partners Band Of Outlaws, who won a maiden at Limerick's Christmas meeting.

O'Brien said: "Konitho had experience over hurdles in France before winning on his first start for us.

"He won well but both of ours are stepping up in grade and, while we like them, they'll need to have come forward from their maiden wins."

Also two-handed is Gordon Elliott, who is represented by Coko Beach and Elysian Plains.

He said: "I was expecting a good run from Coko Beach in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown over Christmas but things just didn’t happen and he possibly paid the price for chasing quite a strong pace.

"We think he's much better than he showed there and I’m hoping for a much-improved effort."

Elliott added: "Elysian Plains has ability and if we can harness it he should make into a reasonable hurdler. I just want to see him do things right and relax better than he has been doing."

Cork maiden winner Maze Runner, who disappointed at Grade 2 level at Leopardstown in December, represents Willie Mullins.

The champion trainer said: "We're trying cheekpieces on him as we know he's a good bit better than he showed last time.

"Hopefully they'll have the desired effect. He just might prefer slower ground – it was testing when he won his maiden."

Completing the line-up is the Henry de Bromhead-trained Havingagoodtime, who landed a maiden at Fairyhouse by four and a half lengths in December.

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