Answer To Kayf Going For More Handicap Gold
Terence O'Brien is out to as soon as again disturb 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 attempt to include further riches in another of Ireland's prestigious long-distance handicaps.
"He is lightly raced. The Troytown was a career-best, but you 'd like to believe he might have enhanced from that," the Carrigtwohill, Co Cork trainer 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 challenging favouritism with Robert Tyner's Better Days Ahead, who might properly named if staying unbeaten this term after a set of Fairyhouse wins prior to Christmas.
McManus' racing manager Frank Berry stated: "He's been lucky 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 delighted with him and he goes there in good kind, whether he suffices or not we wait and see.
"Stamina is his asset and he stays actually well and he will not mind the soft ground."
Gordon Elliott runs three in a bid to win the race for the 3rd time - Look for Glory along with Pied Piper and Shecouldbeanything.
"Search For Glory has been second in 2 big handicaps, the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown the last time, and he might be finest matched of ours even if he has actually 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 actually won four times in the last 10 years and 12 months back 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 discussed his choice by stating: "In such a stamina test I have actually gone for Captain Cody. He's got two runs under his belt currently this season - consisting of a fantastic run when third in the Drinmore, over a trip way too short for him.
"His perform at Leopardstown over Christmas wasn't too bad either. This extended three miles will definitely match him, although horses towards the top of the weights may discover 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 drizzling."