Sophocles Faces Cheltenham Test

James Leavy is hoping Sophocles will benefit from the experience when he has his prep run for the Cheltenham Festival at Punchestown tomorrow.

The five-year-old will be having only his third run over obstacles when he tackles the Grade Two Byrne Group Plc Novice Hurdle.

Runner-up in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at last season's Festival, he got off the mark over hurdles at the second attempt at Leopardstown over Christmas.

His main objective is the Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices' Hurdle back at Prestbury Park.

"Obviously we want him spot on for March 11 so he won't be fully wound up for Sunday," said the Kildare trainer.

"He had a little time off after Leopardstown. He idled a bit there so we're running him on Sunday to give him a bit more experience."

His seven rivals on Sunday are headed by Captain Cee Bee, who is also being earmarked for the Supreme Novices' at the Festival.

"He gets better and better and learns from his races all the time," said trainer Eddie Harty.

"He's only had the two runs over hurdles and the plan is to go to Cheltenham.

"He's fit and well and hopefully we'll learn a lot on Sunday. Ideally, for me, he wants good ground.

"This will be his final run before Cheltenham. There's five weeks in between and that's ideal," the Curragh-based handler told At The Races.

(C) PA Sport