Commanche Court will take on seven rivals when he lines up in the Paddy & Helen Cox Memorial Newlands Chase at Naas this Sunday. The Ted Walsh Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup outsider is expected to face tough opposition from the Michael O'Brien-trained Knife Edge in the race.
Walsh is somewhat concerned about the trip of two miles for the 2000 Irish Grand National winner but feels it will be a worthwhile exercise. "He's in good nick," said Walsh. "The trip and the ground are not ideal but the conditions of the race suit him and it's in our own back yard. I expect him to run a good race."
Meanwhile, Dessie Hughes' Colonel Braxton will continue his preparations for Cheltenham in the Anglo Irish Bank Nas Na Riogh Novice Chase on the same card. His main threat would appear to be Christy Roche's Youlneverwalkalone, third in the Grade One Dr P J Moriarty Chase on his last outing.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
