Fenton sees a Woodbine challenge

Racing:  Philip Fenton believes conditions at Fairyhouse will suit Woodbine Willie in what looks sure to be a cracking renewal of the Rathbarry and Glenview Studs Festival Novice Hurdle.

Sunday's Grade Two contest has attracted a smart field of nine runners, including Aranleigh and the Willie Mullins-trained Cooldine, who will be seeking a five-timer.

Fenton, however, has faith in his charge as the weather eases.

"I'm really looking forward to it and this drying ground will be a big help to him," said Fenton. "I wasn't totally happy with him last time but we think he's up for the race on Sunday."

Woodbine Willie could only manage third when sent off favourite last time out, but was previously not beaten far by Venalmar and Dusty Sheehy's Trafford Lad at Naas.

The Mouse Morris-trained former was subsequently only just touched off in the Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, in which Sheehy's horse finished third.

"The previous form is looking good now and at the time we didn't know how strong it was. We were taking a Grade One horse on that day," Fenton continued.

"He seems to have come out of his last race well and I'd also hope he might have improved from that run, but it is a good race on Sunday.

"There's only nine runners but it's a good race and we have to take on Aranleigh.

"Andrew (McNamara) knows our horse well and we think he's in better shape this time than he was the last day."