'We think the world of him' - Ryan hoping The Little Yank can make big impact

1.45 LimerickIrish Independent Hurdle (Grade 3) | 2m | 4yo | RTV

John Ryan is hoping his talented two-time bumper winner The Little Yank can make a flying start to life over hurdles and demonstrate why connections hold him in such high regard.

The promising four-year-old will be tried in Grade 3 company for his first start over hurdles, with Ryan previously stating the Tipperary and Cork scorer is the best horse he has ever trained.

"We think the world of him so we hope he won't let us down," said the handler, who has trained smart sorts such as Foildubh, Draycott Place and Kylecrue. "It's not an easy race to start off in but he's a fair horse with heart and guts."

He added of Liam Quinlan's mount: "I don't see the ground as being a problem. We have high hopes for him."

Franco De Port (far side) created a good impression when making a winning Irish introduction at Gowran last monthCredit: Caroline Norris

This four-year-old only event, which was won by ill-fated Champion Hurdle hero Espoir D'Allen 12 months ago, sees some useful sorts go to war, with Willie Mullins' Franco De Port an interesting contender having made a winning Irish introduction at Gowran last month.

The form of his 13-length debut win at Auteuil in March has been shown in a good light since, with runner-up Fred winning impressively at Kempton on Thursday for Nicky Henderson.

Gordon Elliott's Surin seems to be in rude health and will bid to make it three wins on the bounce after a wide-margin victory at Naas last month over Gardens Of Babylon, who reopposes here on 3lb better terms.

Joseph O'Brien, who is doubly-represented, said of his representatives: "It's probably going to be hard for Gardens Of Babylon to turn the form around with Surin but he seems to be in good shape and we'll be hoping he can take home his share of the prize-money.

Surin impressed in winning the Grade 3 Fishery Lane Hurdle at Naas last monthCredit: Patrick McCann

"Global Equity is coming back over hurdles having been running in bumpers and we'll be hoping she can pick up some black type."

Likeable novice Soviet Pimpernel gave a good account when just touched off at Cheltenham in late October before finishing down the field in Grade 1 company behind Envoi Allen at Fairyhouse.

Trainer Peter Fahey said of his performer: "He's fresh and well, so if he handles the ground he should run well.

"There doesn't seem to be much coming up for him and this looked to be a nice race for him so hopefully the ground won't be a problem."

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