Warrior set for Naas clash
Bog Warrior, who sweres Cheltenham, is set for a mouthwatering clash with Flemenstar in the Naas Directors Plate Novice Chase on Sunday.
Last Updated: 06/03/12 1:29pm
Bog Warrior, who sweres Cheltenham, is set for a mouthwatering clash with Flemenstar in the Naas Directors Plate Novice Chase on Sunday.
As both horses need soft ground to be seen at their best, a trip to Prestbury Park has never seriously been on their radar this season.
Tony Martin has confirmed Bog Warrior an intended runner in the Grade Three at Naas, meaning he will not take up any of his three options at the Festival.
Along with the two big guns, the likes of Rathlin, who, like Bog Warrior, represents Gigginstown House Stud, Raptor and Nicky Henderson's Prince Of Pirates are all possibles.
"He's an intended runner," Martin said of Bog Warrior.
"I'm not sure what the plan is with Rathlin, and if he runs we'll have to see what Davy (Russell) decides to ride.
"I'm happy with my lad. It was always going to be too quick at Cheltenham so we decided to have a look at this instead. I'm not looking beyond Sunday with him.
"Whether he'll have his ground at Punchestown or Fairyhouse is not really a concern - I'm only bothered about Sunday and I hope it's soft enough."
The ground at Naas is currently described as soft, yielding to soft in places.