Arctic Fire puts in a mighty leap on his way to victory at Cork last time© Photo Healy Racing
There are three potentially informative Grade Three races over jumps at Tipperary this afternoon, and trainer Denis Cullen has a chance in both the Horse & Jockey Hotel Hurdle and Like A Butterfly Novice Chase — courtesy of owners Wicklow Bloodstock, who run Arctic Fire and The Last Marju
“They’re both fit and very well, and we just hope we don’t get too much more rain,” said Cullen.
“The Last Marju will be better on better ground. But we are very pleased with him and the way he has progressed this season.”
The six-year-old earned his place in this company with two wins in his last three starts under Denis O’Regan.
“He has turned into a decent novice chaser,” added Cullen.
“This is a step-up again, but the two and a half miles was no problem last time. Hopes are high.”
They are too for Arctic Fire, who at nine has proved — in two recent runs after a season off — that he retains much of the ability which won him last year’s County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival when trained by Willie Mullins.
Cullen suspects he may be better over slightly further these days.
He said: “He’s just dropping back to two miles and I think maybe two and half is his best trip. (But) I’ve been delighted with him.”
The County Kildare trainer has mooted a possible switch to fences for Arctic Fire and concedes he will know more after today.
“He jumped so well at Cork, so we did have a think about that (in case) he didn’t look like he was going to be competitive (over hurdles) at the top level.
“But we expect him to give a good account, and Denis (O’Regan) was very happy with him the other day.”
