Racing: Ansar is in "terrific form" as he prepares to bid for a third victory in the William Hill Galway Plate, for which he has been allotted joint top-weight.
The popular 11-year-old already has an incredible seven wins at the Festival to his name, and trainer Dermot Weld is hoping a pipe-opener on the level will put him spot on for the big race.
"Ansar is in terrific form at the moment and like ourselves, he'll be looking forward to his annual visit to Galway." said Weld.
"He'll have an outing on the Flat on Thursday at Killarney but he's a remarkable horse at the Ballybrit track and even though he's now an 11-year-old, he still retains his competitiveness. I think he'll run a big race as he always does."
Paul Nicholls has revealed Hoo La Baloo has the option of the Summer Plate at Market Rasen this weekend, as well as the valuable Galway event.
He said: "He is entered in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen, but I have had Galway in mind for some time, particularly as the prize-money is so good at this time of year.
"There are 10 days between the races and as long as he comes out of Saturday OK, he'll probably run."
Jonjo O'Neil, trainer of Briscoe Place, has similar plans for his charge.
He said: "He'll go to Market Rasen, but we love Galway and as long as he is fit and well after the race, we may go to there as well."