Savante ready to step up at Down Royal Savante is set to step up in class in the Grade 3 mares novice hurdle at Down Royal on Friday. The two-mile contest is named after trainer Colm Murphy's former stable star Feathard Lady and the Gorey handler is looking forward to having a runner in the race. This Workforce mare won a Punchestown bumper in impressive fashion on her debut in June before a disappointing effort at Killarney the following month. She bounced back to winning ways on her hurdling debut at Tramore earlier this month and Murphy is hopeful of a good showing now in better company. “We were delighted with Savante the last day at Tramore,” Murphy told broadcaster Denis Kirwan. “She bounced back from a disappointing effort at Killarney in her previous race but will obviously have to improve again on her last performance to be competitive in this race. “She’s a good actioned lady and we are hopeful of a big run. She looked very promising when she won her bumper at Punchestown and we think she is quite versatile ground wise. “The Down Royal Festival is two fabulous days racing and we are delighted to have a runner there”
