Cee Bee Team On Weather-Watch

Eddie Harty is hoping the rain stays away from Fairyhouse ahead of the Bar-One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle on Sunday.

The Curragh trainer warns he will not run Captain Cee Bee in the Grade One contest if the ground is heavy.

The six-year-old, owned by JP McManus, has won his two hurdle races this autumn, both at Punchestown, in impressive fashion.

'I couldn't have asked him to do any more than he's done so far,' said Harty.

'He won his maiden hurdle well and it was probably the best maiden hurdle run in Ireland this year.

'He then stepped up against other winners with a couple of older ones in it and he couldn't have been more impressive.

'He's come out of that last race very well. The only proviso I would have is that if we got too much rain and the ground went heavy, he wouldn't run.

'All things being equal, he'll run on Sunday. It's a hot race and it's entitled to be ? it's a Grade One ? but he's in good form.'

Should the ground become unsuitable at Fairyhouse, Captain Cee Bee could be switched for a return visit to Punchestown a week later.

'If he doesn't go on Sunday there's a Listed hurdle at Punchestown the following Sunday. We'll re-route there if the ground is right,' Harty continued.

'But if it turns into a wet winter it wouldn't worry me unduly if we have to leave him off until the spring.

'There will be loads of options then. The obvious one is the Supreme Novices' at Cheltenham and that would be his target at this moment in time.

'He's got a good cruising speed, he picks up well and they go a good pace there.

'He should be suited by it.'

(C) PA Sport