Bowe worried about trip for duo Colin Bowe feels a longer distance than two and a half miles would better suit his two runners in the Coolmore National Hunt Sires EBF (Mares) Novice Chase at Thurles on Thursday. The County Wexford handler saddles Askanna, who made a winning debut over fences at Limerick three weeks ago, and Our Victoria, third to Knockfierna at Cork five weeks ago. "Askanna is a nice filly but she's better over a longer trip. She jumps a fence well and her jumping will probably keep her in the race," said Bowe. "Our Victoria has done nothing wrong all year but she probably may have to go out and do all the donkey work herself as she wants three miles." Michael Cullen, who is also based in County Wexford, will be pleased if Belle Brook can pick up some prize money as well as black type in this Grade Three heat. The eight-year-old opened her account over fences two weeks ago at Cork thanks to the stewards after being beaten a head by Special Token. "She's been working well since Cork. We got the race in the stewards' room," said Cullen. "She was well clear at the last then made a mistake but finished well, was hampered and only beaten a head. "This is a very tough race. I'd be delighted if we got into the money. I'm not expecting to win, but it's a black-type race and to get third would be great."
