Meade maps out plans for stars

Noel Meade is looking forward to novice chasing campaigns with both Jered and Pandorama.

The former had a stellar novice hurdling campaign, culminating with victory in a Grade One at Punchestown, but struggled in his second season over timber.

However, County Meath handler Meade has revealed there was a problem with the JP McManus-owned seven-year-old.

"When he ran poorly at both Liverpool and Cheltenham it transpired he had damaged a ligament in a hind leg," said Meade.

"He's had a bit of treatment and I'm very happy with him.

"The plan is to go over fences. It was a relief to find something wrong with him but he couldn't go from a very good horse to a moderate one."

Pandorama won the Grade One Deloitte Novice Hurdle the last time he was seen on the track at Leopardstown in February, and he will also be campaigned in novice chases over longer trips.

"He's in good shape," Meade told At The Races. "He'll go straight over fences this season. I'm very happy with him and he'll be out some time in October.

"He jumps well and we'll be hoping he'll be up there with the best over fences."

Jered is 20/1 with Stan James for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival while Pandorama is the same price with Coral for the RSA Chase.

Go Native is likely to have a spin on the level before embarking upon another hurdling campaign.

Last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle hero is poised to reappear on the Flat next month after a reportedly satisfying summer.

Alternatively his first big target could be the Grade Two Tipperary Hurdle on October 4.

Trainer Noel Meade said: "He's in good shape, he's training well and he'll stay over hurdles.

"He may start off in a Flat race. I don't know whether he'd be ready in time to run in the McManus Hurdle (Tipperary Hurdle), but that would be a possibility.

"He's coming along very well, so it could well be that he's coming along now in time for that."

Meanwhile, Powers Gold Cup winner Aran Concerto has returned to training following another injury and could be aimed at the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

Meade continued: "He damaged his hock two years ago and when he won that race (Powers Gold Cup) he damaged the other one. He's had an op and it's been a great success.

"He's back in full training and we're hopeful he'll be out around November time.

"If his hock doesn't bother him he's got that (Gold Cup) sort of potential."

Aran Concerto is 50/1 for the Cheltenham Festival showpiece with bet365.