Answer To Kayf Going For More Handicap Gold
Terence O'Brien is out to when again distress the huge weapons 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 include more riches in another of Ireland's distinguished long-distance handicaps.
"He is lightly raced. The Troytown was a career-best, however you wish to think he could have enhanced from that," the Carrigtwohill, Co Cork fitness instructor noted.
"He has gone up the handicap, however he's been fantastic for us and anything he does would be a reward 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 could appropriately called if remaining unbeaten this term after a set of Fairyhouse wins prior to Christmas.
Owner JP McManus' racing supervisor said: "He's been lucky for us up until now and he's probably up a bit once again in grade and it's an excellent race.
John Shinnick and Answer To Kayf after winning the Troytown Chase at Navan (Brian Lawless/PA)
"Robert is actually delighted with him and he goes there in great type, whether he is great enough or not we wait and see.
"Stamina is his asset and he remains really well and he won't mind the soft ground."
Gordon Elliott runs three in a quote to win the race for the 3rd time - Look for Glory in addition to Pied Piper and Shecouldbeanything.
"Search For Glory has been second 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 actually crept a little up the handicap," Elliott said.
"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 won four times in the last 10 years and 12 months ago with subsequent Grand National hero Nick Rockett.
Paul Townend has actually plucked for Captain Cody from the Closutton quintet, with High Class Hero, Quai De Bourbon, Shanbally Kid and Spanish Harlem the other Mullins competitors.
Betway ambassador Townend explained his decision by saying: "In such an endurance test I have actually opted for Captain Cody. He's got two runs under his belt already this season - consisting of a dazzling run when third in the Drinmore, over a journey way too brief for him.
"His run at Leopardstown over Christmas wasn't regrettable either. This extended 3 miles will definitely match him, although horses towards the top of the weights might discover it tougher on this ground. It's going to be a slog of a race. We've had a lot of rain, and it's anticipated to keep raining."