Answer To Kayf Going For More Handicap Gold
Terence O'Brien is out to when again disturb the big guns with Answer To Kayf in the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park.
The veteran stayed on highly to land the Troytown at Navan in November and will now attempt to include additional riches in another of Ireland's prestigious long-distance handicaps.
"He is lightly raced. The Troytown was a career-best, however you wish to think he might have enhanced from that," the Carrigtwohill, Co Cork fitness instructor noted.
"He has gone up the handicap, however he's been great 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 disputing favouritism with Robert Tyner's Better Days Ahead, who could properly called if remaining unbeaten this term after a set of Fairyhouse wins prior to Christmas.
Owner JP McManus' racing manager Frank Berry stated: "He's been lucky for us so far and he's most likely 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 delighted with him and he goes there in good type, whether he suffices or not we wait and see.
"Stamina is his asset and he remains really well and he will not mind the soft ground."
Gordon Elliott runs three in a quote to win the race for the third time - Look for Glory together with and Shecouldbeanything.
"Look for Glory has actually been 2nd in 2 huge handicaps, the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown the last time, and he might be best matched 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 5 in a race he has won 4 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 competitors.
Betway ambassador Townend described his decision by stating: "In such a stamina test I've opted for Captain Cody. He's got 2 runs under his belt currently this season - including a brilliant run when 3rd in the Drinmore, over a journey way too short 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 find it harder on this ground. It's going to be a slog of a race. We have actually had a lot of rain, and it's anticipated to keep raining."