Answer To Kayf Opting For More Handicap Gold
Terence O'Brien is out to once again disturb the big guns with Answer To Kayf in the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park.
The veteran stayed on strongly to land the Troytown at Navan in November and will now try to include more riches in another of long-distance handicaps.
"He is lightly raced. The Troytown was a career-best, but you wish to believe he could have enhanced from that," the Carrigtwohill, Co Cork fitness instructor noted.
"He has actually gone up the handicap, however he's been great for us and anything he does would be a bonus now. If he runs his race, he will be one of the ones to beat."
Answer To Kayf is contesting 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 manager Frank Berry said: "He's been fortunate for us up until now and he's probably up a bit 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 actually pleased with him and he goes there in good form, whether he suffices or not we wait and see.
"Stamina is his asset and he remains truly well and he won't mind the soft ground."
Gordon Elliott runs 3 in a bid to win the race for the 3rd time - Search For Glory together with Pied Piper and Shecouldbeanything.
"Look for Glory has been second in two big handicaps, the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown the last time, and he may be best fit of ours even if he has crept a little up the handicap," Elliott said.
"In these races, I think it's more which horse manages the conditions best on the day."
Meanwhile, Willie Mullins saddles five in a race he has actually won 4 times in the last 10 years and 12 months ago 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 competitors.
Betway ambassador Townend discussed his choice by stating: "In such an endurance test I've opted for Captain Cody. He's got 2 runs under his belt currently this season - including a fantastic run when third 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 absolutely fit 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've had a lot of rain, and it's anticipated to keep drizzling."