Bothair primed for big run Bothair Clei bids for the Woodlands Park 100 Club Nas Na Riogh Novice Handicap Chase at Naas on Sunday and Co Cork-based buyer and seller Donie Murphy is hoping to win the first Graded race of his career. Murphy, who operates mainly in point-to-points and holds a restricted licence, is under no illusions regarding the day's most valuable event. He said: "It looks wide open and while it's unfortunate he is 3lb out of the handicap, he is progressive. I freshened him up after his win in Cork and he's in good form. "He has never looked brilliant, even in his four point-to-point wins, but does enough and has taken well to fences. Rain is forecast for the weekend and it will help as the heavier ground will suit, and a galloping track like Naas is also a plus." He added: "I've a restricted licence and train mainly point-to-pointers and buy and sell and breed them. "Vaniteux, who finished third for Nicky Henderson in last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle, was with me in his point-to-point days before being sold. "We also sold two full-sisters to Paul Nicholls in recent years (She's Da One for E100,000 at public auction) and, at Cragmore point-to-point last Sunday, another full-sister Leader's Choice was second first time out to a good mare of Robert Tyner's. "We might keep her ourselves, though, as we keep some of the mares for breeding." Opposing Bothair Clei are representatives of some of racing's superpowers, with Gigginstown House Stud represented by Band Of Blood, Bishops Road, Empire Of Dirt and Once And Always, while JP McManus runs Carriganog, Gallant Tipp and Call Rog. Stuart Crawford's recent Ayr winner Fine Rightly tops the weights, with Ruby Walsh a notable booking for the Eric McNamara-trained Sir Harry Cash. By Tom Weekes
