Fleming readying chasers for Christmas Alan Fleming is excited to see what Marakoush can do over fences after pencilling in a trip to Leopardstown for his chasing debut. A 90-rated Flat performer for John Oxx, the five-year-old was narrowly beaten on his hurdling bow at Naas before getting off the mark in some style at Punchestown in November of last year. He disappointed in better company on his next two starts, but Fleming feels his charge is in better physical shape ahead of his reappearance. He said: "Marakoush is schooling very well. He has taken to fences exceptionally well and will run at Leopardstown around Christmas time in a beginners' chase. "We think an awful lot of him. After he won his maiden hurdle last year, he got very light on us and we just struggled with him last season. "He is a different horse now, he is a year older and a big, strong horse. "He is a natural over a fence and we are looking forward to him." Marakoush is set to be part of a strong festive team for the Curragh-based trainer. Impressive Thurles scorer Tully East is set to step up to Grade One level in the Racing Post Novice Chase, while Gwencily Berbas could bid to open his account over fences after chasing home Our Duke at Navan on Saturday. "We were really happy with Gwencily Berbas. We might put some headgear on him the next day, just to help him concentrate a bit," said Fleming. "He was looking around a bit, so we are going to try him in a bit of headgear and we think it will help him an awful lot. "All being well, he'll run at Leopardstown over Christmas in another beginners' chase."
