Davids Charm up in class at Tipperary

Davids Charm is set to step up to Grade Three class for the Horse And Jockey Hotel Hurdle at Tipperary.

Connections hope the smart dual-purpose performer can pass Sunday’s test on the way to a possible crack at the Tote Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh the following week.

The eight-year-old has earned his chance after a series of fine efforts on the Flat and over hurdles — which have included finishing fourth in the Galway Hurdle, despite an unlucky run, and success in a Killarney handicap and a handicap hurdle at Listowel.

Jockey Phillip Enright said: “It’s a step up when you go to Grade Three company — but he carried a lot of weight in a competitive handicap, so you’d hope he can make that step forward.

“He has been very progressive, and usually horses with a good Flat handicap that stay make into nice jumpers — and he stays well. He’ll get two and a half miles, no problem.

“Hopefully he can just make that transition to the next grade.

“They are aiming to go for the Cesarewitch after Tipperary, so that will tell you the calibre of race he runs in on the Flat.”

Trainer John Joe Walsh added: “I think he will improve more.

“He didn’t get a clear run at Galway two years running. I kept him for the Galway Hurdle again this year, and he would have crept up over 150 only for that.

“This is his next step now, going this route, and we’ll see how he gets on.”