Hughes hoping Bob bounces back Dessie Hughes is looking forward to seeing how his Grade One-winning chaser Rare Bob performs in the Lucan Racing Leinster National at Naas on Sunday. The eight-year-old looked sure to go on to big things when winning the Champion Novice Chase at last year's Punchestown Festival but was last of five on his only appearance since at Fairyhouse in January. That said, the gelding certainly caught the eye when working with Ryanair Chase-bound stablemate Schindlers Hunt at Leopardstown on Sunday and Hughes is hopeful his charge could yet make his mark at one of the spring Festivals. "He's obviously giving a lot of weight away which will make it tough but he's a fair horse and we're looking forward to running him again," said Hughes. "Everyone saw him work after racing at Leopardstown last weekend and he did school and work very well, so we'll just see what happens on Sunday. "It's unfortunate Cheltenham has come too soon for him as we really needed to get another run into him, but he's had his problems this year. "We had him hobdayed earlier in the season and it has taken a while for us to get him back, but he is a very good horse. "If all goes well on Sunday, I'd be looking at Aintree and Punchestown for him." At the other end of the handicap for Sunday's contest is Len Whitmore's Troytown Chase runner-up Casey Supreme, but the trainer admits the drying conditions are a major concern. "He's in good form but the ground is drying out all the time and that would lessen his chance," said Whitmore. "The ground is the key to him and he really needs it testing, so we'll just have to see how he gets on. "With Rare Bob running we're out of the handicap as well which isn't ideal and although Rare Bob has top-weight, he's still the one to beat. "We'll let our horse take his chance as there isn't really anywhere else to go, but we'll see how he gets on and we might look at the Midlands National at Uttoxeter if he gets his ground there."
