Apache prominent among Neptune contenders Noel Meade's Apache Stronghold is one of 104 entries for the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. The six-year-old is unbeaten in two starts over hurdles, but has not been seen since an impressive display in the Grade Two "Monksfield" Novice Hurdle at Navan at the end of November. Meade, who sent out Nicanor to beat Denman in the 2006 renewal, is confident Apache Stronghold can make his presence felt in the Neptune if he makes the trip to Prestbury Park. Meade said: "He had a setback after Christmas and it has taken a while to get him back, so won't be able to get another run into him. We don't want to rush him and it's just a case of seeing if we can get him back up to that level. "I won't run him unless I'm 100 per cent happy because there is always Aintree, Fairyhouse or Punchestown, but the plan is to run at Cheltenham if he's right. "He's a gorgeous a horse and we think he's right up there with the best around, so hopefully we can get him there." Willie Mullins dominates the entries for the two-mile-five-furlong contest with the unbeaten Faugheen and last year's Champion Bumper winner Briar Hill among 19 possible runners for Ireland's champion trainer. Also starring among the 38 Irish entries is The Tullow Tank, although he is one of a number of horses who have the Supreme Novices' Hurdle as an alternative target. The British-trained entries include David Pipe's undefeated gelding Red Sherlock and Grade One-winning pair Captain Cutter and Royal Boy, both trained by Nicky Henderson.
