Bolger bullish with Fringe

Enda Bolger is full of hope On The Fringe can land an unprecedented third successive victory in the St James's Place Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham.

Just as he did two years ago, the 12-year-old went on to win at Aintree and Punchestown last season and looked as good as ever in his reappearance behind Foxrock at Leopardstown last month.

Bolger told At The Races: "He's a horse that once the first of March is behind him, he just starts to blossom. He's been with us a long time, so we know him inside out now. He's the champion hunter chaser, but he's there to be shot at and all we can do is get him in the best form we can and get him there hard and healthy."

Bolger feels On The Fringe's build-up has been better this season.

He said: "He's in great form at the moment. To be fair to the horse, his preparation last year wasn't as good as the previous year.

"He had an abscess in his foot at Christmas and he probably wasn't 100 per cent at Cheltenham, whereas he was awesome at Aintree and Punchestown was out of this world.

"Touch wood, it's been good this year and I was delighted with his run in Leopardstown. We were taking on a seriously good horse in Foxrock, but he travelled well and it was a matter of time before he got tired.

"Although he's 12 now, he moves like a four-year-old. We're so looking forward to it this time."

Bolger's ace will be without the assistance of the pregnant Nina Carberry, with the red-hot Jamie Codd in the saddle, but she will be a keen observer.

Carberry said: "On The Fringe definitely has a big chance. The horse that beat him last time out (Foxrock) is not running as he is not qualified so I can't see why he can't do the treble, to be honest.

"I think he will like a bit of better ground - there doesn't look like there is going to be much rain during the rest of the week.

"He is in great form and Enda is very happy with him. He showed he retains his old ability the last day and I can't see why he can't win this race for the third time.

"I think his age is no problem at all and he rates as the one to beat."