Rashaan bids to take next step at Fairyhouse

Colin Kidd admits his bargain buy Rashaan faces a tough test when he attempts to give weight all-round in the Bar One Racing Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The Manduro gelding has already more than repaid the €8,500 the Bagenalastown trainer paid for him at Goffs Sales in February by winning both his starts over jumps, after only running once on the Flat for Michael Halford when owned by the Aga Khan.

However, this is a big ask as he steps up into Grade Three company and several top Irish jumps stables are represented.

"He's done everything that has been asked of him so far, but we have to give weight to them all on Sunday," said Kidd.

"The horse is in good form, his preparation has gone well and I couldn't be happier with him.

"The ground is going to be testing and we are going to be giving weight to everything. We have to give 11lb to Gordon Elliott's filly (Missy Tata), but I'm very happy with my horse.

"He looks a cheap buy now. II loved him the minute I saw him.

"He's a real athletic horse. His half-brother (Rayeni) was second in an Irish 2,000 Guineas and his second dam (Rayseka) was second in an Irish St Leger. His pedigree was lovely.

"He has done well all through the summer and has strengthened up and matured. He looks like a real nice horse and we will know on Sunday.

"He took to jumping straight away. From the first time I asked him to come off the ground he loved it.

"The two runs he has had in Roscommon and Listowel he has never made a mistake. He jumped brilliantly both days."

As well as Missy Tata, Gordon Elliott saddles Rocket Punch, who makes his hurdles debut having left Andrew Balding's yard.

Edward O'Grady's Le Vagabond and the Alan Fleming-trained Tiliver are others with chances in an eight-runner field.