Answer To Kayf Going For More Handicap Gold
Terence O'Brien is out to once again upset the big guns with Answer To Kayf in the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park.
The veteran remained on strongly to land the Troytown at Navan in November and will now try to add more riches in another of Ireland's prominent long-distance handicaps.
"He is lightly raced. The Troytown was a career-best, however you want to think he could have improved from that," the Carrigtwohill, Co Cork fitness instructor kept in mind.
"He has actually increased the handicap, however he's been wonderful for us and anything he does would be a perk now. If he runs his race, he will be one of the ones to beat."
Answer To Kayf is challenging favouritism with Robert Tyner's Better Days Ahead, who might appropriately named if remaining unbeaten this term after a pair of Fairyhouse wins prior to Christmas.
Owner JP McManus' racing supervisor Frank Berry said: "He's been fortunate for us up until now and he's most likely up a bit once again in grade and it's a good race.
John Shinnick and Answer To Kayf after winning the Troytown Chase at Navan (Brian Lawless/PA)
"Robert is truly delighted with him and he goes there in good form, whether he suffices or not we wait and see.
"Stamina is his property and he remains truly well and he won't mind the soft ground."
Gordon Elliott runs three in a bid to win the race for the third time - Search For Glory in addition to Pied Piper and Shecouldbeanything.
"Look for Glory has actually been 2nd in two huge 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 think it's more which horse manages the conditions best on the day."
Meanwhile, Willie Mullins saddles 5 in a race he has won 4 times in the last ten years and 12 months ago with subsequent Grand National hero Nick Rockett.
Paul Townend has actually plucked for from the Closutton quintet, with High Class Hero, Quai De Bourbon, Shanbally Kid and Spanish Harlem the other Mullins competitors.
Betway ambassador Townend described his choice by stating: "In such an endurance test I have actually chosen Captain Cody. He's got 2 runs under his belt currently this season - consisting of a dazzling run when 3rd in the Drinmore, over a trip way too brief for him.
"His perform at Leopardstown over Christmas wasn't too bad either. This extended 3 miles will absolutely match him, although horses towards the top of the weights may discover it tougher on this ground. It's going to be a slog of a race. We've had a great deal of rain, and it's anticipated to keep raining."