Tiger Roll's biggest threat? Cross Country fancy Prengarde set for Irish debut

Sunday: Naas

Enda Bolger will take the wraps off Tiger Roll's biggest Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase threat as highly regarded French recruit Prengarde makes his Irish debut in the 1m7½f handicap hurdle (5.00).

It seemed unclear in recent weeks whether Prengarde, a top-priced 4-1 chance for Cheltenham Festival success, would make next month's meeting with Bolger suggesting the six-year-old would need to have one run in advance of the 3m6f test.

The seven-time winner, who was bought privately by JP McManus after his latest Listed win at Compiegne in November, will likely find this assignment too short, but it will be interesting to watch how he performs.

Frank Berry, racing manager to McManus, said: "We're probably playing catch-up with him a little bit. It'll be nice to get a run into him this weekend. Hopefully we'll get an idea as to whether or not he might get to Cheltenham for the Cross Country."

Prendgarde is just one of many quality operators on display on the card, with the Grade 2 BetVictor Novice Hurdle (3.00) over 1m7½f bound to throw up a smart winner.

Trainer Pat Doyle will be hoping the decision to sidestep the Cheltenham Festival will reap dividends for his promising Fairyhouse maiden hurdle winner Flame Bearer.

Doyle said: "He's been doing things well, I thought he did it nicely last time, he's got an engine. Our thinking was to come here rather than Cheltenham in the hope that most of the top horses would be heading across the water.

"I don't think he'll come on in terms of fitness from last time, but his experience might be a help. I'm hoping for a big run."

Willie Mullins on Ha D'Or: 'We'll know where our horse fits in the pecking order of the novice hurdlers afterwards'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Ha D'Or landed the first division of the same maiden hurdle as Flame Bearer won four weeks ago at Fairyhouse, both posting RPRs of 133 and 134 in victory.

Willie Mullins has won this race on a record five occasions, but believes his representative this time could be facing a difficult task.

"Ha D'Or looked very promising when he won in Fairyhouse," said the champion trainer.

"He was green in front there, and while it may be tough to beat Flame Bearer, who was impressive at the same track last time, we'll know where our horse fits in the pecking order of the novice hurdlers afterwards."

Gordon Elliott wasn't represented here last year, but the trainer claimed three of the previous six runnings of this contest. Martin Pipe entry Hiaou rates a strong contender for him this time.

Hiaou (far side, red cap): dug deep to deny the useful Goven at Punchestown last monthCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Elliott said: "It's a nice stepping stone for him after winning his maiden hurdle at Punchestown. I suppose this will tell us where we're going in the spring."

The concluding bumper (5.30) could give us an insight into the strength of Leopardstown form lines surrounding top Weatherbys Champion Bumper players Facile Vega and Redemption Day.

Sandor Clegane finished 12 lengths behind Facile Vega when second at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown earlier this month, while Music Drive was four and a half lengths off Redemption Day at the track's Christmas festival.

Naas Sunday card and betting

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