18+ | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle preview

Dr MikeyDr Mikey
© Healy Racing Photos

Gigginstown House Stud fires a twin assault at Saturday's Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Henry de Bromhead's Down Royal scorer Calino D'Airy is joined by the Noel Meade-trained Coquine D'Aunou, who was runner-up to the reopposing Crack Mome at Clonmel before bolting up at Limerick over the festive period.

Gigginstown manager Eddie O'Leary said: "Calino D'Airy won his maiden up in the north and it probably wasn't a bad little race, so we thought it was worth having a go.

"She (Coquine D'Aunou) was second first time out to Crack Mome, who is likely to be favourite for this. She won well next time and while she'll be better over further, we thought we may as well run her."

Margaret Flynn's stable star Dr Mikey won two bumpers and opened his account over hurdles impressively at Cork.

Flynn said: "It is a step up, but he's in great form and we're hoping he'll run well.

"I'd be a little bit worried about the ground. It'll be the softest ground he's met and I know from his action he's a better horse on better ground.

"We had a claimer (Barry John Foley) on him last time and he can't claim in this race, but we're keeping him on anyway as he's a horse that's better for knowing.

"He's highly strung and I just hope we can put him to sleep in the race. If we can do that he should run a good race.

"I have no idea what a good horse looks like. Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott probably have 100 of him but I have only one of him!"