Leopardstown Grade One target for Cee Bee Eddie Harty reports Captain Cee Bee to be in fine shape following his debut chasing success at Naas on Thursday. The 2008 Supreme Novices' Hurdle hero had been off the track with a leg injury since April of last year, but showed he still retains his ability when edging out Zaarito on his return from a 608-day absence. Harty is thrilled his star turn is none the worse this morning and he is now ready to let him step back up to Grade One company in the Bord Na Mona Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Boxing Day. "He's in great form this morning and is as sound as a pound," said Harty. "We were delighted with him as he jumped great and travelled well on ground that was softer than he liked. "It was really quite soft in the last furlong or so when you thought he might get found out, but he plugged on well and seemed to enjoy himself. "Tony (McCoy) was very happy with him and the Grade One at Leopardstown is the next port of call at this moment. "Obviously we'll see how he is over the next week or so, but that looks the obvious next step and you can get a bit of nice ground there if you get a dry 10 days or so leading up to Christmas. "He's done step one now, so it is just a case of getting out there and enjoying him. "Sizing Europe might turn up at Leopardstown and that would be a great clash. "He obviously hasn't had the problems we've had and he's got more experience, but that's what racing is all about." Colm Murphy was delighted with the performance of Zaarito, but is in no rush to decide on any future plans. "He's come out of it OK and we are happy with him, really it was his first proper race over fences with him falling first time," said the trainer. "He stuck on well and we'd hope he'd improve a good bit from it. "We'll see how he is over the next couple of weeks and decide where to go next when we see what there is for him."
