Zaarito on course for Leopardstown

Colm Murphy reports Zaarito to be on course for the Grade 1 Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The seven-year-old gelding was one of the top bumper performers last season scoring three times before losing his unbeaten record when third to Cousin Vinny in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.

The son of Tiraaz was just denied on his hurdling debut at Navan in December but showed the benefit of that experience when easily beating Time Electric at Punchestown last month.

'I'm very happy with him, and he will have a blow in the morning. Luckily enough he doesn't need much work, we just keep him ticking over,' said the County Wexford trainer.