Flynn Boxing Clever With Eritrea

Eritrea is on course to bid for a hat-trick over timber as handler Patrick Flynn views a Grade One assignment on St Stephen's Day.

Having won at Galway in October, the youngster went in again at Gowran Park last week to earn a step up in class in the Durkan New Homes Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown.

'She's in the Grade One and we hope to go there,' confirmed Flynn, whose charge is among 17 preliminary entries for the two-mile event.

'She has a nice pedigree as her dam was by Caerleon and she is getting better as the months go on as she's still a little bit weak.

'But she's doing everything very well at the moment and she's come out of her last race very well, so it looks like we'll go to Leopardstown all being well.

'We think she is actually a better filly on better ground, although she's won on both types.

'She has a lovely, powerful action, and she actually propels herself along, rather than galloping.

'She's got grace, courage and heart, and that's what you have to have for hurdles.

'She has the bottle for the game.'

Among a host of interesting entries is Jarlath Fahey's Maca Rince, who had Franchoek's conqueror Harper Valley back in third when winning last time.

Formerly with Terry Mills, Jessica Harrington's entrant Personal Column is one from one over timber to date ? a record he shares with Murtagh and Sonnium, who are also engaged.

(C) PA Sport