Dunguib well ahead of bumper bid

Weatherbys Champion Bumper winner Dunguib is reported to be fighting fit as he bids to follow up in the Paddy Power Champion INH Flat Race at Punchestown on Wednesday.

The Presenting gelding has won three of his four starts this season, most recently annihilating his rivals by 10 lengths and more at the Cheltenham Festival.

His trainer Philip Fenton believes his stable star is in similar form ahead of his latest assignment and is keeping his fingers crossed for a truly run race for the Grade One prize.

"He appears to be in great form and we are looking forward to seeing him run again," said Fenton.

"A couple of weeks back we were praying for rain but if we could have turned off the taps a week ago, we'd have been happy as its been raining non-stop.

"That said, we'd have probably missed the race if the ground had been on the quick side of good so I'm sure we won't be making any excuses with the ground.

"It could be a trappy little race with just the 10 runners and there is no guaranteed pacemaker other than maybe Luska Lad.

"He genuinely appears to be in great form, so he is there to take his chance and we hope for the best.

"It wouldn't be the end of the world if he got beaten and he will be going on his holidays shortly anyway."

John Kiely saddles New Zealand-bred Sweeps Hill, an impressive winner on his racecourse debut at Leopardstown over Christmas.

The County Waterford trainer holds his Montjeu gelding in high regard but admits Dunguib will take plenty of beating.

"The testing ground may not suit him as the ground was quite nice when he won at Leopardstown over Christmas," said Kiely.

"It will be an experience for him and Dunguib seems to be an exceptional horse. Our fellow is a nice horse and hopefully he runs well but there are a lot of nice horses in the race."

John Joseph Hanlon is in bullish mood as he prepares to saddle four-time winner Luska Lad.

The five-year-old gelding failed to fire on the first two outings of his career, but then went on to win four of his next five starts.

His only defeat during that spell came at the hands of Dunguib but Hanlon is confident his charge will be able to turn the tables.

"We were delighted to see him win at Fairyhouse on ground that didn't suit him and it's good news that the ground is soft at Punchestown this morning," said the trainer.

"He handles any kind of ground but I think he is a better horse on soft ground so the more rain the better for him.

"I think he can turn the Navan form around with Dunguib as we were a tired horse that day and he is a fresh horse now.

"We weren't ready for Fairyhouse last time and he still won and I think this soft ground will suit us better than it will suit Dunguib.

"He's in good form, is doing everything right and I do think he will take a lot of beating."