LiveScore Racing News: Bolger readying plenty of Cheltenham contenders
Trainer Enda Bolger is firming up his squad for the Cheltenham Festival with Prengarde expected to lead the way in the Glenfarclas Chase.
The six-year-old heads to Prestbury Park next week having enjoyed much success in France under previous trainer Guillaume Macaire.
Having switched over to the Limerick-based trainer Bolger, Prengarde had his first race in Ireland last month at Naas but it did not go entirely to plan as he ended up 18th in a 21-horse field, some 74 lengths behind eventual winner Palace Rock.
However, that race was only just under two miles and the gelding's specialty has been longer format races on the continent.
A seven-time winner in Frayne, Prengarde is expected to five the Cross Country Chase a go at Cheltenham and he is currently only behind Grand National legend Tiger Roll and Delta Work in the ante-post market.
Tiger Roll's credentials are obvious while Delta Work is a former Savill's Chase and Irish Gold Cup winner at Leopardstown.
Midnight Maestro and Shady Operator, who finished first and second respectively at Punchestown last month, are set for a run out in the three mile and six-furlong race, which will take place on Wednesday, March 17.
Champagne Platinum could be in the mix but he is also entered in Thursday's Kim Muir Handicap while another of Bolger's charges, Birchdale, is entered in the Grade Three Paddy Power Plate, which is set to take place on the same day.
Bolger admits he will have a clearer picture at the end of the week but is confident his big squad can make waves at Cheltenham.
The trainer said: "We have a few bits of work to do this week and we'll be in a better position to make a decision on what we send to Cheltenham after that.
"Prengarde is on song for it. We had to get him out and he's come on for the run over hurdles at Naas. He'll work again on Wednesday.
"Champagne Platinum is in the Kim Muir as well as the cross country and he's also in the Leinster National at Naas on Sunday, so he has a few options.
"Midnight Maestro and Shady Operator are both bang on for the cross country."
