Bando camp wary of Kalkir dangers Ross O'Sullivan is under no illusions about the task facing Dai Bando as he attempts to reverse Fairyhouse form with Kalkir in the Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on Friday. The Willie Mullins-trained Kalkir leapt towards the top of ante-posts lists for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival with a runaway success on his Irish debut at the end of November, with Dai Bando beaten eight lengths into second. "Willie's horse was very impressive in Fairyhouse and we're probably going to struggle to turn the tables," said O'Sullivan. "That said, we're very happy with our horse. He did his final bit of work on Sunday morning and seems in very good form. "If he can run a similar type of race to the one he ran in Fairyhouse, we'll be delighted. "Everyone is saying there isn't a lot between the rest of the three-year-olds in Ireland because, apart from Kalkir, there are no real stars, which is great for us. "Our horse is knocking on the door and it's great to be going there with a fighting chance." Kalkir is one of three runners for the champion trainer, with Supreme Horse Racing Club-owned duo Verawal and Tarabiyn doing battle once more. The pair have already met three times this season, most recently running against Kalkir, where Verawal finished a creditable third and Tarabiyn fell at the second flight of hurdles. Supreme Horse Racing Club manager Steve Masse said: "We were really pleased with Verawal's run at Fairyhouse. "To finish third in a Grade Three was a great result and he's been such a consistent horse for us. "Tarabiyn is fine and we're hoping he'll jump a bit better than he did the last day. The drying ground should be in his favour. "With Kalkir in the race, I think we're all running for minor honours, if I'm honest, but you never know what can happen. "Kalkir aside, the rest of the three-year-olds in Ireland this year have been beating each other, so we'll go there hoping for the best. "David Casey knows Verawal well as he rides him a lot at home and rode him last time at Fairyhouse. "David Mullins rode his first winner the other day and I think he's a young jockey with a big future ahead of him. We're delighted to have him on board Tarabiyn."
