Hi °C | Lo °C Just four horses line out in a €27,500 novice chase at Naas tomorrow, but what a race it promises to be on the eve of the Cheltenham Festival.
Given that none of Bog Warrior, Rathlin or Flemenstar would look out of place at next week's showpiece, it is quite a coup for the Co Kildare venue to have all three pitted against each other.
Not for the first time, Gigginstown Stud's regular rider Davy Russell was faced with a tricky choice in the Grade Three, eventually opting for Bog Warrior over Rathlin.
The latter Mouse Morris-trained seven-year-old has been transformed since the turn of the year after undergoing a surgical procedure to correct his breathing and he completed a hat-trick of richly impressive victories in a Grade Two over course and distance just two weeks ago.
Russell's mount may be at a more advanced stage in its development, but Rathlin is a hugely exciting prospect, so it would be no surprise if he has a big say under Niall Madden here.
clash
Of course, the rematch between Bog Warrior -- which Russell deserted to his cost in favour of First Lieutenant in the Drinmore Chase earlier in the campaign -- and Flemenstar is the marquee clash. When they crossed swords on their respective fencing debuts at Navan in November, Peter Casey's Flemenstar simply couldn't live with Bog Warrior.
However, he has improved apace since, the third of three stunning triumphs coming in the Arkle at Leopardstown.
A former point-to-point winner, it will be fascinating to see how the Grade One winner fares now that he steps up to two and a half miles under the excellent Andrew Lynch, but it's hard to go against Bog Warrior.
The Tony Martin-trained son of Strategic Choice is unbeaten in five completed starts, disposing of the subsequent smart Leopardstown scorer Slieveardagh with consummate ease over two miles here last time.
A two-time faller, his fencing was assured then and you would expect him to maintain his near flawless record now if his fencing doesn't regress.
Jim Culloty is another handler that has decided to swerve a Prestbury Park foray with Lord Windermere, setting his promising novice hurdler a less taxing assignment in tomorrow's opener instead.
The lightly raced six-year-old, fourth in the Deloitte last time having previously won twice, is expected to take all the beating under Tom Doyle in the two-miler.
Of Lord Windermere's eight rivals, there is little to split recent winners Inis Meain and Maller Tree, though it will be interesting to see how Ballynacree fares. An easy winner on his racecourse bow at Gowran Park, Christy Roche's four-year-old can only get better.
In the Woodlands Park 100 Club Leinster National, Hennessy Gold Cup runner-up Roberto Goldback tops a 12-strong field that includes the Naas hurdle winner Paddy Pub.
On his return to fences, you couldn't discount Kieran Purcell's charge, but Roi Du Mee is preferred.
Gordon Elliott's Gigginstown representative turned in his best effort for a while when third to Prince De Beauchene over tomorrow's three-mile trip at Fairyhouse recently and may be on the verge of a big performance.
Big Generator appeals in the maiden hurdle that follows, while Operating gets the nod for Jessica and Kate Harrington in the bumper.
Having finished in front of subsequent winners Dantes Firth and Undone when second to Kilcrea at Gowran, this one sets a decent standard.
