Answer To Kayf Choosing More Handicap Gold
Terence O'Brien is out to when again disturb the big weapons with Answer To Kayf in the Chase at Gowran Park.
The veteran stayed on strongly to land the Troytown at Navan in November and will now try to include additional riches in another of Ireland's prestigious long-distance handicaps.
"He is gently raced. The Troytown was a career-best, but you want to think he might have improved from that," the Carrigtwohill, Co Cork trainer kept in mind.
"He has increased the handicap, but he's been wonderful for us and anything he does would be a bonus offer now. If he runs his race, he will be among the ones to beat."
Answer To Kayf is disputing favouritism with Robert Tyner's Better Days Ahead, who might properly named if staying unbeaten this term after a pair of Fairyhouse wins prior to Christmas.
Owner JP McManus' racing manager Frank Berry said: "He's been fortunate for us so far and he's probably up a bit once again in grade and it's a great race.
John Shinnick and Answer To Kayf after winning the Troytown Chase at Navan (Brian Lawless/PA)
"Robert is actually pleased with him and he goes there in excellent form, whether he suffices or not we wait and see.
"Stamina is his property and he remains really well and he won't mind the soft ground."
Gordon Elliott runs three in a bid to win the race for the third time - Look for Glory together with Pied Piper and Shecouldbeanything.
"Look for Glory has been second in 2 big handicaps, the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown the last time, and he may be best suited of ours even if he has sneaked a little up the handicap," Elliott stated.
"In these races, I believe it's more which horse manages the conditions best on the day."
Meanwhile, Willie Mullins saddles five in a race he has actually won four times in the last ten years and 12 months earlier with subsequent Grand National hero Nick Rockett.
Paul Townend has plucked for Captain Cody from the Closutton quintet, with High Class Hero, Quai De Bourbon, Shanbally Kid and Spanish Harlem the other Mullins contenders.
Betway ambassador Townend described his choice by stating: "In such an endurance test I've opted for Captain Cody. He's got two runs under his belt already this season - including a fantastic run when 3rd in the Drinmore, over a journey way too brief for him.
"His perform at Leopardstown over Christmas wasn't regrettable either. This extended 3 miles will definitely suit him, although horses towards the top of the weights might find it harder on this ground. It's going to be a slog of a race. We have actually had a great deal of rain, and it's anticipated to keep drizzling."