John Joe to end wait over fences

GALLANT JOHN JOE could make it thirdtime-lucky over fences by landing tomorrow’s Grade 3 Naas Directors Plate Novice Chase.

The seven-year-old ran creditably in his two chasing outings, making dual Champion Hurdle runnerup Melon work hard for victory on his fencing bow at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, finishing clear of subsequent winner Chosen Mate.

Trainer Oliver Mckiernan didn’t hesitate throwing John Joe into hot company in the Grade 1 ERSG Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

And he ran another cracker, without threatening the leading duo, in finishing third beaten less than eight lengths behind Notebook ( favourite) and Cash Back, two leading contenders for Tuesday’s Arkle at Cheltenham.

Significantly, he had Melon 12 lengths behind him on that occasion, with tomorrow’s Willie Mullins runner

in fifth.

Gallant John Joe steps up to two and a half miles, which won’t be a problem as he triumphed at this trip, and further, over hurdles. With regular partner Barry Browne on board, he’s expected to open his chasing account.

Gearoid O’loughlin’s decision to keep

at home might be rewarded when the imposing, Chris Jones-owned five-year-old lines up for the listed Irish Racing Writers Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle.

This Stowaway gelding caught my eye when sixth to Conflated at Fairyhouse in November. And it came as no surprise when he bolted-up in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas, scooting home to beat subsequent winner Jungle Junction by 11 lengths.

That was the performance of an exciting prospect. Cedarwood Road faces a tougher field tomorrow but can prove himself up to the task.

With a rating of 142, Noel Meade’s

pipped by Jason The Militant in a Grade 3 over course and distance recently, sets the standard while which belatedly opened his account here last month is another threat. But I’m really looking forward to seeing Cedarwood Road again.

The progressive

might complete a four-timer in the featured, €100,000 Mansionbet Leinster National.

This fellow has gone up a massive 30lb on the back of his wins at Fairyhouse, Down Royal (over an inadequate trip) and at tomorrow’s venue last time, when hitting top gear late and coming through to beat Countess Cathleen in a two and a half mile novice handicap.

He went up 9lb for that win, but might improve again over this longer trip and, with just 10-3, has rock-solid claims.

And the day’s banker bet is Henry de Bromhead’s

runner-up to Chosen Mate at Gowran Park last time, in the opener.