Apache all set for Fairyhouse return Noel Meade has warned that Apache Stronghold might need the run when he returns to action in the Coolmore NH Sires Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday. The Milan gelding hasn't run since November after meeting with a setback, and Meade isn't sure if he will be primed for the Grade Two contest. The six-year-old had looked a top prospect when breezing to success in the Monksfield Hurdle at Navan but was ruled out of a shot at Grade One company in December due to a foot abscess. Meade said: "He had a setback and we got held up with him. He's come along nicely but I'm not sure if he'll be 100 per cent wound up. He's in good form though. "He ran in a schooling race last week and worked very well. He's ready to go and give it a shot." Meade also saddles Festive Felon in the race but admits he has a bit to find to make an impression at this level. "He has a few pounds to find with a few of them but the soft ground made me take my chance. He had a disappointing run the last day but he's maybe better going this way around as he tends to lean a bit." Liz Doyle is keen to test the waters at this level with Le Vent D'Antan after the smart bumper performer opened his hurdling account in fine style at Navan last month. The Wexford handler endured a frustrating pre-season with the French-bred but after getting off the mark over timber Doyle is now hoping to see how good he could be. "He came out of the race in Navan very well. The step up in trip looked to really suit him then," said Doyle. "It's a step up in class with him but we have to see what way we are going with him. The ground shouldn't be a problem as he won his bumper in heavy. "He's in great form and he didn't have a hard race last time. Riding him reasonably positive over two-and-a-half looks to be a good idea and I'm looking forward to it. "There are a lot of horses in the race rated in the 130s and 140s and it looks a real Grade 2. Six or seven of them could win it. Fingers crossed he puts up a good show." Willie Mullins saddles three in the race, with the unexposed Renneti looking the leading contender.
