RACING:TONY MARTIN'S reputation as a scourge of the bookmakers can be enhanced once more at Leopardstown tomorrow if Tijuana Dancer emerges best for the Co Meath trainer in the €100,000 MCR Hurdle.

The first major prize of 2011 is traditionally one of the most competitive handicaps of the National Hunt calendar but Martin has already cracked the code in memorable fashion with Dromlease Express, who landed a gamble seven years ago.

This time much of the ante-post action has centred on Prima Vista, who took centre stage with a vengeance when beating Tijuana Dancer by over four lengths during the Christmas festival.

Noel Meade’s horse won with authority that day and duly picked up the penalty his trainer wanted him to get in order to assure getting into tomorrow’s 26-runner field.

But a 15lb ratings hike is a hefty one in any context and it has the potential to change the complexion of this weekend’s feature.

Tijuana Dancer was the only one to present a challenge to Prima Vista the last time they met and Martin yesterday was hopeful of reversing that form.

He also has Montan and Northern Alliance running but Timmy Murphy, also a race winner with Barker a couple of years ago, is on Tijuana Dancer and the trainer said: “Noel Meade’s horse beat him very comfortably but we’re 15lb better off, it’s on the inside track, which will suit him as it is sharper and we think our horse is a speed horse. But it will be all about luck in that race.”

Edward O’Grady is also triple-handed in a race he has yet to win and Capellanus could be the best of them, emphasising the value of that Prima Vista form again.

Final Approach looks Willie Mullins’s number one hope and races in the colours of Douglas Taylor, the managing director of the company sponsoring the big race. There was plenty to like about the way he ran behind Asigh Peal at Fairyhouse last month but experience could be a factor.

Dermot Weld’s National Hunt runners were in blinding form over Christmas and he has New Phase to represent him in a race he won a dozen years ago with Archive Footage.

Prince Of Fire will have the assistance of Tony McCoy as he returns from a stint over fences and the ultra-competitive nature of this race will be a real test of his sharpness.

Tony Martin expects such circumstances to suit Tijuana Dancer, however, and when it comes to big handicaps his is always an opinion to respect.

Timmy Murphy is at Leopardstown principally to team up with Jessies Dream in the Killiney Novice, which is sponsored by the Tote to promote their new “Pick Six” bet.

Just five line up for the Grade Two event which sees Jessies Dream concede a 7lb penalty for winning the Grade One Drinmore last time. That race looks an exceptionally strong piece of form and Gordon Elliott was in bullish mood yesterday.

“We thought we’d go for this Grade Two and then freshen him up and bring him back for Cheltenham. He’s got to give 7lb away for winning a Grade One, but if he’s going to be winning an RSA Chase in Cheltenham, he wants to be winning with a 7lb penalty,” he said.

The Shepherd makes a quick return to the course and distance over which he won impressively during the Christmas festival and the Elliott-trained runner can defy a 9lb ratings hike in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle.

Oscar Dan Dan’s presence at the top of the weights has had an impact on the weight structure of the race and it allows The Shepherd in here with an attractive racing weight.

Christy Roche won the Leopardstown Chase with Youlneverwalkalone eight years ago and while Silent Creek may not be in that class he does look to have a shot at a big prize tomorrow.

Silent Creek was a decent third to Questions Answered at Limerick on his last start and a repeat of that level of form should make him a major player.

Barry Geraghty is on Dundrum, one of two Jessica Harrington trained runners, in the Beginners Chase, and the partnership could represent a touch of value.