Oj Heads Naas Nine

Sir Oj has his first race since his last-gasp victory in the Robin Cook Memorial Gold Cup 11 weeks ago at Naas on Sunday.

The nine-year-old, who got up close home to deny Le Passing at Cheltenham, goes for the Tote 'Betting For Cheltenham' Newlands Chase.

'We were talking and talking as to whether we would run him on Sunday or wait for the Mildmay at Cheltenham,' trainer Noel Meade told At The Races.

'We thought it was such a long time since he ran that maybe it is just as well he does have a run.'

Sir Oj's eight rivals include Nickname, who is out to atone after being pulled up in the Arkle Challenge Cup, won by Missed That, at Leopardstown four weeks ago.

Also in the line-up are Paul Nolan's John Smith's Grand National hope Colnel Rayburn and Jessica Harrington's Green Belt Flyer.

? PA Sport