PEARL TO SCOOP ANOTHER LEOPARDSTOWN VICTORY ON SUNDAY On Sunday Florida Pearl sets out to record his seventh victory on the hallowed turf of Leopardstown. Willie Mullins` prolific scorer will start a warm favourite for the days feature at the Dublin track where he is set to appear for just the ninth time - an awesome record indeed.The burning question is, can Florida Pearl record his third consecutive victory in the Leopardstown February highlight? Although the likes of born-again Edward O`Grady hope Nick Dundee, who ran a cracker when third to Rince Ri in the Ericsson, is also in the line-up along with Native Upmanship, fourth in that contest, and three-time course and distance scorer, the veteran Dorans Pride, I still think all fingers point to Florida Pearl to scoop the #65,450 winners purse.He comes here after a profitable trip to Kempton over Christmas when he chased home the emerging French-trained talent First Gold to fill the runner-up berth in the Pertemps-sponsored King George VI Chase over three miles. AlthoughViolet O`Leary`s gelding had no answer to the power-packed display of the French raider on St Stephen`s day, eventually coming home ten lengths adrift of the seven-year-old, he did have some big players in behind - Bellator Beau, Edredon Bleu, not too mention the mighty See More Business, who got back in the Gold Cup picture with victory last weekend. Take Florida Pearl to score here and book his ticket for the Cotswolds showdown next month with last year`s Powers Irish Grand National and Heineken Gold Cup hero Commanche Court the choice for the forecast. Cork layers Cashmans enter into race sponsorship for the first time when their banner is over the opening four-year-old hurdle. They also have a mouth-watering bonus on offer for the winning owner and trainer. If their horse goes on to land the Triumph Hurdle next month, they will each pick up IR#50,000 apiece. Noel Meade`s Fruit Defendu, who annihalated his 28 rivals on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse in the middleof December, can make it two from two by accounting for Denny Juvenile Hurdle scorer Pittsburg Phil, who now carries the famous J.P.McManus colours.The former met with a slight setback which resulted in him missing the Denny over Christmas but he was reported to be in good form by trainer Noel Meade at Thurles during the week and is taken to score en route to a Triumph Hurdle bid. The Grade 2 Dr P.J. Moriarty Novice chase has three quality runners in the shape of Sackville, Well Ridden and Arctic Copper but when all is said and done, this is a very disappointing turnout for such a valable prize - certain trainers of other chasers that could have reaped handsome place dividends here should be ashamed. Sackville scored over three miles at Naas last weekend to earn a 6/1 quote for the Sun Alliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and although dropping back in trip on Sunday should be good enough to see off Well Ridden and outsider Arctic Copper. BF
