Dubh set for Champion bid

Noel Meade is leaning towards running Realt Dubh in the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham next week rather than the Ryanair Chase.

The eight-year-old gelding, third to Captain Chris in the “Arkle” at Prestbury Park last March and off the track since filling the runner-up spot behind the same horse at the Punchestown Festival, is reported in great form by the Co. Meath handler.

“He’s in great form and Paul (Carberry) said he has never felt as good after he did a bit of work the other morning.

“I think the two-mile race is a better option as the Ryanair is very competitive and, even though he has won over two and a half miles, I’m not altogether sure he really gets the two miles and five furlongs.”

Meade is likely to have seven runners in total next week starting off with Dylan Ross in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, while Monksland (Neptune) and Ipsos Du Berlais (Albert Bartlett) will also travel.

He will be double-handed in the Fred Winter with Bat Masterson and Blue Cannon, while Silverhand will tog out in the Coral Cup.