Bond-Bound Star In Sparkling Form

Barry Geraghty is relishing the prospect of teaming up with Cheltenham Festival winner Cork All Star in the Bar-One Racing Royal Bond Novices' Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The five-year-old won the championship bumper at the Cheltenham Festival last season and is already prominent in the betting for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle back at Prestbury Park next March.

Cork All Star won his first start over hurdles by an effortless eight lengths but Geraghty is aware the Grade One event will be no walkover.

'It's a real good race. Captain Cee Bee and Megans Joy look two very smart novices so it's a good race and a big field,' said Geraghty.

'I suppose there are question marks over the big three with regards to the ground but it should be a cracker and I'm really looking forward to it ? hopefully all will go well.

'He does stay well, which is one bonus. I kicked on early in the Cheltenham bumper because he had won there before so I knew he would stay up the hill.

'I suppose he is relatively inexperienced but it is a novice hurdle so I'm very hopeful.

'I won this on Moscow Flyer eight years ago and it would be great to win it again.'

The main opposition to Cork All Star is indeed likely to come from Captain Cee Bee, who has made a big impression winning his last two starts, and Megans Joy, who is on a six-timer.

(C) PA Sport