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Bolger wary of Ned in "mini Queen Mother"

Enda Bolger's BallyoisinEnda Bolger's Ballyoisin
© Photo Healy Racing

Ballyoisin will aim to win his fifth race on the bounce in the Paddy’s Rewards Club “Sugar Paddy” Chase at Leopardstown.

Enda Bolger’s seven-year-old is second favourite for the Grade One on December 27, behind Willie Mullins’ Footpad, in what looks like being one of the races of the festive season.

Great Field, Min, Castlegrace Paddy, Sizing John and Special Tiara are all in the mix at this stage — but it is a British raider who Bolger believes could be a tough nut to crack.

“He’s still on course for Leopardstown, but it looks like being a mini Queen Mother,” he said.

“The horse I’d be most worried about at the moment is Nicky Richards’ horse, Simply Ned, because his horses are absolutely flying — and he always runs well in the race.

“He’s a hardy, older horse — whereas we’re a young horse on the up. He’s a professional and he’s from a stable in form — we’ll all have to respect him.

“We’ll know after Leopardstown where we stand, but if the ground is good that will be on our side.”