Meade considers novice options Noel Meade is blessed with a powerful string of novice hurdlers this season, and the Co. Meath trainer is currently mulling over plans for his impressive team. Il Fenomeno beat stablemate Dylan Ross in the Grade 3 For Auction Novice Hurdle at Navan earlier this month, a result which the trainer admits surprised him. Both horses are possible runners in the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse on December 4. "I actually thought Dylan Ross would win on the day but there you go. I knew there wasn't much between them," said Meade. "I'd say Il Fenomeno will run in the Royal Bond and Dylan Ross could go there as well, but we haven't made any definite plans." Among Meade's entries for the Irish Form Book Monksfild Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) at Navan on Sunday are Sword Of Destiny, a Grade 3 winner over three miles at Cork last time, and the unbeaten Texas Jack.
