In the matter of runners this weekend, Fairyhouse has a definite edge on Naas but in terms of class the Co Kildare track has the larger percentage. The richest Fairyhouse race is the Normans Grove Chase over two miles and here the big names, Klairon Davis and Opera Hat, are horses whose form is on the downward curve.

It is difficult to imagine Klairon Davis striking back to regain his National Hunt Two Mile Champion Chase title, while Opera Hat is shortly due to be retired to stud.

The pair have been great rivals down the years, and while Opera Hat put together a remarkable if not unique record around Naas, Klairon Davis has been the greater money spinner, with earnings in excess of £300,000.

On their last encounter at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting, Klairon Davis gave 10lb and a neck beating to Opera Hat in the handicap won by Papillon. On that scoreline he would have to be a short odds favourite now that he is in receipt of weight.

It is always a source of pleasure to see a small stable getting a winner at one of the Grade One tracks, whether it be on the flat or over jumps. Today there could be three such scorers - Crocked Again (R V Shaw), Mrs Battle (G Quirk) and Oneofourown (S Donohoe).

Crocked Again came up against a high-priced J P McManus purchase, Vivo, at Leopardstown, Mrs Battle won at Down Royal, and Oneofourown won over hurdles at Thurles this time last year but is still a frequently placed maiden over fences.

The run that really puts Mrs Battle into the frame was not so much her last success but rather her previous hurdles effort in a maiden at Navan when she finished fifth to Its Time For A Win, a horse who was rated more than two stone above her.

The Saturday nap is Deejaydee to take the Irish National Hunt Novice Hurdle for the Hourigan family. He was not out of the first five in race last year and won at Limerick in the hands of Kevin O'Brien, who announced his retirement in the winner's enclosure.