O'Brien will receive Cheltenham Answer at Naas Terence O’Brien has done well with Answer To Kayf this term and has an eye on a race at Naas in the middle of February for the lightly-raced eight-year-old. A maiden hurdle winner at Limerick in October, Answer To Kayf was a creditable third to Loughglynn in a Grade 2 novice contest at the same venue in December when taking a step up in trip and class. “He’ll go for an Auction Novice Hurdle at Naas on Saturday week (February 10) over 2m3f," said the Carrigtwohill handler. “It looks ideal for him and after that we’ll make a plan and decide whether he’s going to go to Cheltenham or not. “If he is going to go there then the Martin Pipe might be a better option (also entered in the Albert Bartlett). “He had a great run at Limerick over Christmas. He pulled really hard and didn’t jump particularly well but still finished strong. “Johnny Shinnick wasn’t able to use his claim so hopefully that will make a bit of a difference the next day. “As a four-year-old we thought he was a lovely horse but then he had some problems and last year he ran very moderately in a maiden hurdle in Killarney. “We left him off on grass and he hasn’t taken a lame step since he’s come back. “In a bigger stable he’d be lost but in our yard he’s a star and I’m delighted with him. “Last year that Auction race was a very middle of the road race but the year before Journey With Me won it so you never know what you will meet.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee
