Smith's Flaming Moon bidding for Birdcatcher

Meath runners could feature prominently at the business end of the Tally-Ho Stud Irish EBF Birdcatcher at Naas on Sunday.

Trainer Matthew Smith is hoping that his first two-year-old winner Flaming Moon, can make it a season to remember by taking the laurels, but Michael Mulvany's In From The Cold is also one of eight runners for the prestigious event.

Smith's Flaming Moon won a Navan maiden at the beginning of October and the Kilmessan handler is looking forward to Sunday's action where he will also run Naas specialist Warnaq.

"Flaming Moon came out of his Navan race in good form and we are hoping for a good run," commented Smith.

"We think a lot of him and we think he is a nice horse and I'm hoping he can show that at Naas on Sunday. 

"He has a nice light weight and it's a very competitive race, but he is a versatile horse and seems to go on any ground and hopefully he can run well."

Topping the weights is the Aidan O'Brien-trained Mount Fuji while another Meath man, Johnny Murtaghhas two in with Champers Elysees and Koolasice in what looks a very competitive renewal. 

Jessica Harrington is eyeing up another big juvenile prize with For The Trees her representative in the feature race while course winner Not Now Zeb takes his chance with a light weight for Tom Mullins. 

The Birdcatcher field is completed by the Joseph O'Brien-trained Latin Five and Michael O'Callaghan's My Friend Stan. 

Smith's Warnaq will run in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Bluebell Stakes which has attracted a 12-strong field. 

"Warnaq seems to love Naas, the ground will suit her and the trip should suit her so fingers crossed she can get her head in front in a listed race," Smith added. 

"She has been close enough in listed races in Galway and Cork and she's back to a track she likes now so we'd he hoping for a big run."

A packed eight race card at Naas begins at 1.15pm on Sunday with further details available at naasracecourse.com