When the first race on the programme, an opportunity handicap hurdle, is the best endowed event of the day, you can hardly expect much in the way of stars. However, the Seskin Beginners Chase does feature an attractive clash between Liver Bird and Sea Fisher.

Already the winner of four races under National Hunt Rules, Liver Bird boasts a hurdles rating of 117 and has always looked a potential chaser.

Austin Leahy trains Sea Fisher for J P McManus and although he would be getting 11lb from his rival over hurdles, the gap between them over fences could be appreciably less given that Sea Fisher has had two runs only in '97 and both of them were over fences.

At Listowel he ran second to Ideal Plan and then he was outgunned behind Hill Society at Galway but the winner is a very slick two-mile novice.

The two Limerick winners Mallardstown and Blasket Sound take on As Royal in the Holycross Hurdle. Mallardstown has come good in recent weeks and, with Richard Dunwoody aboard, may prove the pick of the trio.

A strong challenge is anticipated, however, from As Royal who needed the race when third to the smart Oonagh's Star at Gowran Park and, with Tony Coyle's 5lb claim, will be getting 12lbs.

Strontium was a very consistent bumpers performer and landed a nice gamble at Thurles in December, winning by ten lengths from Thinkers Corner. He had a lay-off during the summer and will be all the better for his run at Fairyhouse last week when he got tired and weakened into fourth place behind Thatswhatithought.

That winner was trained by Michael Morris who produced an even better novice, His Song, to score at Naas on Saturday. Morris provides the danger to Strontium in the shape of Wee Iceman in the Tipperary Maiden Hurdle.

Lisa's Storm has been placed on several occasions in bumpers and unless the betting throws up a good newcomer should get her turn in the bumper.

The John Dunlop stable enjoyed their 12th overseas win of the campaign with Leggera (Olivier Peslier) in the Listed Prix Saraca over a mile at Maisons-Laffitte yesterday.

Leggera (38-10) tracked the pace-setting, Karapucha, before beginning her winning challenge in the juvenile fillies event two out. The raider got her head in front one out and gamely held Queen Catherine by half a length.