Carthalawn out to give Byrnes double; WEEKEND UPDATE.

CHARLES BYRNES, who saddled Dromlease Express to land a massive gamble in the Pierse Hurdle five years ago, will be represented by Carthalawn in Sunday's Leopardstown showpiece.

As short as 14-1 with Ladbrokes and Blue Square, he slammed Lakil House by six lengths in a Cork handicap hurdle last month, for which he earned an 11lb rise from the handicapper.

"He runs on Sunday and Philip Enright rides him," said Byrnes. "I've always thought Carthalawn wanted better ground, but I don't think so now.

"It was probably even a bit quick for him the last time so any rain would be welcome. However, the 11lb he got for winning at Cork has probably got the measure of him."

The in-form Byrnes added: "I don't think we'll run Merchent Paddy in the Leopardstown Handicap Chase, but he may turn out in the Grade 2 novice chase if all is well."

On The Way Out option

ON THE WAY OUT, who is 12-1 for the Pierse with Coral, Hills and Ladbrokes, faces a tough baptism in his first handicap after winning novice events at Fairyhouse and Gowran on his last two starts.

Trainer John Kiely is prepared to go back to that type of race if the six-year-old proves to be out of his depth.

The trainer said: "I was pleased with him at Gowran so we'll see how he gets on. He's still a novice so we can go back to those if he's not good enough, but this is a big prize."

Late decision on Oscar India

TRAINER Henry de Bromhead is likely to wait until just before final declaration time today before deciding whether to run Oscar India in Sunday's Leopardstown Handicap Chase.

The ten-year-old ran disappointingly in the Paddy Power Chase on the same course over Christmas, and De Bromhead said: "I hope it was the ground. It was a pretty indifferent run to be honest, I don't know what it was.

"He seems great so I'll wait until just before 10am tomorrow. It might come too soon after his last run, we'll see."

Zaarito gets the go-ahead

ZAARITO, third behind Cousin Vinny and Corskeagh Royale when favourite for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last March, is an intended runner over hurdles should Punchestown go ahead tomorrow.

The triple bumper winner was beaten a short head by Oscar Looby on his jumping debut at Navan last month and his trainer Colm Murphy is expecting improvement from that display.

He said yesterday: "Things might have come a bit quick for him last time at Navan, but he's been in good form since and I expect him to improve a bit from that run."

CAPTION(S):

Carthalawn: has gone up 11lb since his Cork win last month