Meain set for step up in trip Useful dual-purpose performer Inis Meain could step up in trip for his next outing after a moderate jumping reappearance at Leopardstown over Christmas. A Listed-level winner on the Flat during last year, Denis Hogan's gelding has been rather less successful over hurdles and was sent off the 11-8 favourite for a two-mile event on December 28 but ruined his chance with a series of errors and was eventually fourth. "His jumping was a disaster," said Hogan. "He had been schooling brilliantly, but he hit one flight and it was over - he went through nearly every one after that. "I'll have to discuss it with Barry (Connell, owner) but we could maybe look at the Pertemps qualifier at Punchestown." One to perform better from the stable was the veteran Luke's Benefit, who took the Punchestown Handicap Chase for the third time in a row on New Year's Eve. Hogan said: "It was brilliant. I have him entered again at Naas on Sunday. I wasn't intending on running him but there are only 11 entries and it looks a good opportunity, so I might do."
