Bill on target for Munster National For Bill is set to carry top-weight in the Ladbrokes.com Munster National at Limerick this Sunday, with trainer Michael Winters reporting his star mare in great form following her seasonal reappearance at Listowel last month. The eight-year-old Presenting mare has already won nine times under rules plus twice in point-to-points, and finished strongly when runner-up to Finger Onthe Pulse at Listowel. Last year's Munster National hero Golden Kite is also among the 26 entries along with Kerry National runner-up Bideford Legend. “We're looking forward to running For Bill on Sunday. There is supposed to be some rain before that, and if we get it we should be alright,” said Winters. “She might be better off with some nice ground rather than tacky but if we get a drop of rain it will keep it safe for her. “She came out of Listowel very well, and it looks a nice competitive race at Limerick without being too tough. She ran well at Listowel but if it was a fortnight later it would have suited better. She should be spot on now.” Winters is not too worried about her carrying top-weight as “she's a big mare” and is also not concerned about her jumping despite an early blunder at Listowel. “She made a mistake at the second but Paul (Carberry) said she just looked at it and lost her hind legs. She was a small bit careful after that. Her two modest runs so far have both been at Limerick which is a small bit of a concern but the main thing with her is that she's on song to show her best. “All going well she will head then to Clonmel on the 10th of November for a Grade 3 Mares Chase that she was third in on her first run last season. If we win on Sunday we won't be qualified for Clonmel but we won't mind that!” Winters also reports Rebel Fitz in good form following his latest victory at Clonmel nine days ago, and will continue the exciting young hurdlers education at their local track in Cork on Sunday week. “All going well he'll go to Mallow for a two mile novice. He came out of the race in Clonmel quite well, and he gave weight to some decent bumper horses.” The French-bred six-year-old gelding has sweated up badly on a number of occasions but the Kanturk handler is not too concerned saying, “He seems to have a bit of a phobia. He's an awful intelligent horse and when he sees the parade ring he probably anticipates the race coming up. In fairness he relaxes quite well during his races so its not like he's on edge the whole time.” Alan Magee
