France tests water at top level Noel Meade is under no illusions about the task facing Couleur France in the Lawlor's Hotel Novice Hurdle at Naas on Sunday. The seven-year-old has already struck at Thurles and Fairyhouse this season and was last seen finishing a creditable third in the Navan Novice Hurdle. However, he looks to have even more on his plate this weekend, with unbeaten pair Free Expression and Tell Us More among his rivals. Meade said: "He ran a good race in a good race the last day and we said we'd let him take his chance again. "He probably needs to improve and he'll probably be a bit better on better ground, but it's a Grade One and we'll give it a go." Tell Us More is one of three runners for champion trainer Willie Mullins and owners Gigginstown House Stud, with Mckinley and Killer Crow also in contention. Golden Boot and On Impulse complete a seven-strong field.
