Punchestown On The Cards For Dempsey

Mark Pitman is hoping conditions will suit Dempsey when the seven-year-old goes for glory at Punchestown next week.

The Lord Americo gelding finished a creditable third to Ashley Brook in the Maghull Novices´ Chase at Aintree on his first attempt at Grade One company over fences.

And he will take on a similar class of opponent should he contest the ?100,000 Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase over two miles on Thursday week.

'We´ll obviously make a final decision nearer the time but the plan is for him to run at Punchestown,' said the Upper Lambourn trainer today.

'I was delighted with his run at Aintree. There were three or four in there from the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham and he was the only one to give the winner a run for his money.'

Dempsey bypassed Cheltenham, demonstrating instead his aptitude for right-handed tracks by winning at Sandown the previous weekend.

'I believe that Punchestown will suit him better. He can cope going left-handed but he is definitely better right-handed,' Pitman went on.

'I would like to see really good ground, not a road, but a surface that he can bounce off.'

Although the ground at Punchestown is currently soft, conditions could easily change.

'A couple of dry days can make all the difference this time of year,' added the trainer.

? PA Sport