Lingo set for Naas return Bob Lingo is set to return from a spell on the sidelines in the paddypower.com Johnstown Novice Hurdle at Naas on Sunday. The seven-year-old looked to have the world at his feet when winning a maiden hurdle at Punchestown by 27 lengths in October. His reputation took a big dent, however, when beaten at odds-on on his last start in November. Trainer Tom Mullins believes there were excuses for that disappointing display and expects a much-improved showing in the Grade Two heat. "Providing all is well with him on Friday, Bob Lingo will run at Naas," said Mullins. "He came out of his last race a little bit lame behind, but we couldn't actually put our finger on what was wrong so we decided to give him a month off. "He's absolutely 110% now and worked very well (on Tuesday morning) so he is showing no ill effects. "If he's back to what he did at Punchestown a couple of starts ago, I'd be disappointed if he didn't put up a bold show on Sunday." Bob Lingo will face a stiff examination in the Grade Two contest with the Willie Mullins-trained Kempes a possible for the race. Colm Murphy's Zaarito is also an interesting contender.
