Leavy May Keep Powder Dry For Cheltenham

Supreme Novices' Hurdle contender Sophocles may head to the Festival without the aid of another run.

Trainer James Leavy has two possible options ahead of the opening race of the Cheltenham jamboree in March.

The Grade Two Byrne Group Plc Novice Hurdle at Punchestown on February 3 or the Grade One Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on February 10 are the options if Leavy decides on another run beforehand.

'He'll be entered in a Grade Two novice hurdle at Punchestown and he'll also have an entry in the Deloitte, but he may go straight to Cheltenham,' said Leavy.

'I wouldn't want to run him on heavy ground as he'd be better going there (Cheltenham) a fresh horse.

'He's had the two runs and he schools well at home so I wouldn't be worried about a lack of experience. If I feel it's a problem I'll give him a run in one of those two races.

'The form of his first run behind Shazand couldn't have worked out much better as he was well-fancied for the Pierse last weekend when he probably didn't act on the ground as it was nearly unraceable.

'He (Sophocles) couldn't have won any easier at Leopardstown though and David Casey was very impressed with him.

'He was a little bit green and he idled a bit, but David said if they had gone a faster pace it would have suited him better.

'In a championship race they will go a good gallop and he has already run well twice there (Cheltenham) so we know he acts at the track.

'It looks like being a really good Supreme this year, but I couldn't be happier with my lad.

'David was really pleased with him last time and Ruby (Walsh) rode him in a bit of work and really liked him, so if I can get either of those two to ride him I'd be happy. But both have stronger stables to answer to yet.'

Sophocles price for the Festival opener ranges from 16-1 with Ladbrokes to 25-1 with totesport and William Hill.