We're small fry says McKiernan as All For Joy goes for Fairyhouse Grade 2

Trainer bids to end long wait to hit double figures

Oliver McKiernan has not reached double figures in terms of winners in a season since the days when Whatuthink, Whatever Jacksays and Follow The Plan were flying the flag for the stable.

With nine winners under his belt and two exciting novices to run at Fairyhouse, the trainer will be hoping to add to what has already been a brilliant season, although he is not getting ahead of himself.

"We're small fry in a big pan but it's great to be here and the horses are fit and healthy so we're hoping for the best," said McKiernan.

First up for McKiernan is the Denis O'Regan-ridden All For Joy in the Grade 2 Fairyhouse Racecourse Supporting Irish Injured Jockeys Association Novice Hurdle (2.55).

Having previously looked exposed, All For Joy battled nicely to land a maiden hurdle at Naas last time, and McKiernan is hoping for more improvement stepping up in class.

“He's a grand horse, but the opposition is stronger than we faced at Naas and we'd be happy if he finished in the money," he said. "Barry Browne rode him last time but can't ride here because he's injured so we'll miss his 5lb claim."

The trainer also runs Gallant John Joe in the Grade 2 Fairyhouse Easter Festival Novice Hurdle (3.30), and said: “He has his chance, but we're hopeful than anything else.”

Emmet Mullins: Punchestown plan hinges on this

Just what race Emmet Mullins selects for exciting novice Zero Ten at Punchestown hinges on how the Ann Mee-owned six-year-old performs in the Grade 2 Fairyhouse Easter Festival Novice Hurdle (3.30).

Emmet Mullins: has long-term Cheltenham plans forCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Unbeaten since joining Mullins, Zero Ten looked potentially smart when landing a Leopardstown novice hurdle on his return from a six-month absence last month.

Mullins said: "It's a big step up in class but we're hopeful of a big run. This will tell us where we are with a view towards running at Punchestown.

"If he wins, he's not qualified for the Foran Auction Novices Hurdle Final, but if he's beaten, he is."

Fahey: Gypsy Island in rude health

Peter Fahey has never hidden the fact he holds Gypsy Island in the highest regard. An impressive winner of a Ballinrobe bumper on her debut last season, Gypsy Island was subsequently bought by JP McManus but disappointed first time up over hurdles.

There was nothing disappointing about her return to bumper company at Naas last month, however, when she made light work of a decent field.

Peter Fahey: is holding an open day at his base in County Kildare on SaturdayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Fahey reports his charge to have come on plenty for that win and is hopeful she can maintain her unbeaten record in bumpers in the Listed contest (5.05).

He said: "Gypsy Island is in great form and hopefully she can run well. I was delighted with her at Naas and she seems to have come forward from that.

"She travelled so easily at Naas and when she got to the front she had a bit of a look, but Naas is a very stiff track and sometimes that can happen. She’s well and we’re looking forward to it."

Fahey is also represented by Lunch In Adare, and he added: "It would be great to get a bit of black type with her. She’s tough and stays and, while it looks a good race, she gets all the allowances because she’s still a maiden.

"A true test will suit her, and she’ll be staying on well at the finish."

Cimeara out to make positive start for O'Brien

Joseph O'Brien has earned a reputation for being a dab hand at getting the best from horses from other stables and if he can bring about improvement in former Jim Bolger-trained Cimeara, who runs in the Listed Noblesse Stakes over 1m4f at Cork (3.45), he could have a serious weapon on his hands.

Joseph O'Brien: is a first cousin of JJ SlevinCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

O'Brien said: "We're looking forward to getting her started and we'll see where we go after this. She's a nice staying filly."

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