Russell excited by Lieutenant return Davy Russell is eagerly looking forward to riding Cheltenham Festival winner First Lieutenant over fences for the first time in public on Sunday. Mouse Morris' Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle hero is due to start out over the bigger obstacles in the Like A Butterfly Novice Chase on a good card at Tipperary. Having won twice at the highest level last season, he signed off for the campaign with a third-placed finish at Punchestown, but Morris has always viewed him as a potential chaser. "He's schooled very well but it's a bit ground dependant for him," said Russell. "As he's by Presenting he's fine on good jumping ground, but he wouldn't want it very quick. "There's no way Mouse will have him fully wound-up this early in the season as he'll be aiming him at races much later on in the campaign. "He'll be improving a good deal for the run but he's starting off a decent level (Grade Three) so Mouse must be pleased with him. "He's one of the horses that keep you going through the summer months." Running in the same Gigginstown House Stud colours is Paul Nolan's Far Away So Close, a winner at Aintree and third in the Champion Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival. The Friends of Tipperary Hurdle sees some real old favourites return, none more so than Captain Cee Bee. The 10-year-old was well fancied for the Galway Hurdle, having won a prep race at this track, but never got involved having been left at the start. "I've put a line through Galway as it was one of those things," said trainer Eddie Harty. "He was messed about at the start and at Galway you can't afford to do that. He's had a two-month break and he's nice and fresh now. "He's in good form and I'm looking forward to it, he should have his ground and he won there in the summer. "I don't know what the plan will be for the rest of the season. He's 10 now and he reverted to hurdles successfully in the summer. "This is a nice race for the time of year so we thought we'd have a go." Also running are Luska Lad and Donnas Palm. The Group Three Coolmore Stud Home Of Champions Concorde Stakes on the level sees David Marnane's Dandy Boy return to action after a lengthy break, while Jessie Harrington's Steps To Freedom will look to follow up an easy win at Fairyhouse in the Dolores Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle.
