Foxchapel King can end Ireland's drought in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup by capturing the £90,000 sterling handicap chase at Newbury today.

Only two horses from Ireland have taken this prestigious prize since it was founded in 1957 - the mighty Arkle in 1964 and 1965 and Bright Highway 20 years ago.

It has not been through the want of trying, however, and Mouse Morris, responsible for Foxchapel King, has gone closer than most - saddling Cahervillahow to finish third in 1990 and Boss Doyle fourth in 1998.

Morris has already staged two successful raids on Britain this autumn landing a Wetherby double last month and sending Foxchapel King to lift a competitive handicap chase at Cheltenham two weeks ago.

The Jolly Jake gelding was tremendously impressive in beating Earthmover by eight lengths as he had the race sewn up before the last.

What was most pleasing about his performance was that he jumped better than usual. He has been prone to making the odd serious error but it is not surprising that it has taken a little time for him to get his act together as he is still only seven.

His jumping did not stop him from running a marvellous race in the Irish Grand National in April when he was 10 lengths second to Commanche Court.

Tiredness was probably the cause of his mistakes at the final two fences in the three-mile five furlong test at Fairyhouse as he went to the front four out and was only collared by the eventual winner in the last quarter-mile.

This extended three-and-a-quarter mile trip looks tailored made for Foxchapel King, who still looks good value at around 8 to 1.

Puget Blue can set up a Morris double by winning the preceding Ladbroke Handicap Chase. He won over this distance at Wetherby in October and was a staying-on third to Wave Rock over two miles at Cheltenham.

And Earthmover can give a timely boost to Foxchapel King's chances by taking the EDS Long Distance Hurdle.

Paul Nicholls' charge was eight lengths runner-up to the Irish raider over fences at Cheltenham and before that was only beaten three-quarters of a length by Boss Doyle over hurdles at Wetherby. He meets Morris's horse on 8lb better terms and can take his revenge.

Barton can raise the roof at Newcastle on his return from a tendon injury by winning the Pertemps "Fighting Fifth" Hurdle.

Although he has been off the track since April 1999, Barton is certain to be in fine shape. The seven-year-old was unbeaten in seven starts as a novice two seasons ago and it's a safe bet that he has retained plenty of ability. Trainer Tim Easterby can also be on target at Haydock where Simply Gifted and Share Options can give him a double.

Simply Gifted looked as though he would be suited by the step up to two and a half miles for the One Man Novices' Chase after he wore down Sandy Duff over Leicester's two miles.

Share Options can take the Wakeful Handicap Chase following his highly-encouraging second to Reflex Courier on the same card.