Cee Bee back for chasing debut - 600 days on.

CAPTAIN CEE BEE, who has not been seen in public for 600 days, makes his long-awaited chasing debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Naas (12.55pm), should the meeting pass a 7.30am inspection, writes Brian Fleming.

The 2008 Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner, currently a general 20-1 chance for the Irish Independent Arkle Chase, has not run since he was pulled up when favourite for a Grade 2 event at Aintree the following month.

His trainer Eddie Harty said yesterday: "He's back in good form, working well at home, and has done plenty of schooling.

"He was ready to run last year before he got injured, so it's not as if he's starting from scratch. Conditions are not ideal but we have to get him out there, hope he enjoys it and gets around in one piece. If he gets caught out on the ground, so be it, and we'll move on. I'm happy with him. This is only a stepping stone."

Opposition to the long-absent Grade 1 winning hurdler includes Nicanor, who beat Denman in the 2006 Royal & SunAlliance Novice Hurdle and was runner-up to Mighty Massini on his second outing over fences at Down Royal last month, and one-time Weatherbys Champion Bumper favourite Zaarito, who fell on his first start over fences at Thurles this month.

CAPTION(S):

Captain Cee Bee winning the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in 2008