Native set for Supreme

Go Native is likely to head to the Cheltenham Festival next month following his impressive victory in the paddypower.com Johnstown Novice Hurdle at Naas on Sunday.

Noel Meade's six-year-old, who finished second to Hurricane Fly in a Grade One event at Leopardstown over Christmas, confirmed the promise of that effort when powering clear of his rivals at the weekend.

Providing the gelding comes out of that race in good form, Meade is looking forward to a tilt at the Supreme Novices' Hurdle on day one of the Festival, for which he is 20-1 with the sponsors William Hill.

"He was very good on the day but maybe he wasn't any better than he was at Christmas when he ran into Hurricane Fly," said Meade.

"He probably produced a similar performance to that but we were happy that he handled the soft ground as we were worried about that beforehand.

"We've always said he'd be a better horse on better ground.

"If we're happy with him between now and Cheltenham he will probably run in the Supreme."

There is the possibility he could renew rivalry with Hurricane Fly in the Festival curtain-raiser - although that horse's Cheltenham participation is currently in the balance after he suffered a setback.

"We'll have to see if Hurricane Fly turns up but if he doesn't, Willie (Mullins) could run the other horse (Cousin Vinny) so it will maybe make his decision a little easier," Meade continued.

"Whatever happens, we're happy with our horse."