Hourigan Angling For Salmon Timber Test

Michael Hourigan plans to give Beef Or Salmon a blow-out over hurdles in the coming weeks in preparation for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28.

The nine-time Grade One-winning chaser was beaten in comprehensive fashion by new kid on the block Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on his last start.

Hourigan is now looking to give the 10-year-old a spin over timber to freshen him up before the Lexus Chase, which he has won three times.

'He's in good form and he worked well (on Tuesday morning),' said Hourigan.

'I think I'm going to give him a run over hurdles before the Lexus.

'I've given him an entry at Punchestown on Sunday (Schweppes Handicap Hurdle) but I don't think he'll run in that.

'He had a rating of 106 over hurdles but I think he earned that in 2002. He has now shot up to 123 after his last run.

'That puts him at the top of the handicap in races like that and I'm not keen on running him with top weight in soft ground, giving away two stone to some horses.

'What I would rather do is run him in a conditions race so he is not giving weight away all round. I'm on the look-out for one.

'All being well, it will then be on to the Lexus again. He likes the race and hopefully a spin over hurdles will just freshen him up.'

? PA Sport