The circumstances may be less than ideal but the Gold Cup ante-post favourite, Dorans Pride, has his latest trial in the Boyne Handicap Chase at Naas this afternoon, a race which is set to be shown live on Channel 4.
A foot abscess on the eve of the Ericsson Chase prevented Michael Hourigan's Plan A for the horse and as a betting opportunity, today could be the day to look elsewhere for the winner.
Not that defeat today for Dorans Pride will automatically reduce his Gold Cup chance. It's testament to the talent of the horse that even with 12st, giving upwards of 2st to his rivals and running over an inadequate trip, only fools will bet with confidence against him winning. Nevertheless, circumstances overall could combine against a victory.
Yesterday morning, Dorans Pride pleased Hourigan in a light blow out and the trainer commented: "The horse seems fine. He hasn't missed much work, really only one day, and I just hope he comes back in one piece."
Should Dorans Pride win this race, it will only strengthen his followers belief about his rock solid Gold Cup claims but in truth, a win or a close finish will surely bring only credit on the horse. It's worth a small bet though that it will be the latter as New Co could be the one to beat Dorans Pride in these conditions.
A doughty and talented campaigner in his own right, New Co receives a whopping 35lb from Dorans Pride and the competent claimer Jason Maguire takes a further 5lb off his back also. That is a huge weight concession for even the classiest animal to make.
New Co will not be inconvenienced by the ground or the distance and Mouse Morris's horse is just preferred.
The Boyne Handicap Chase may attract the most attention this afternoon but the most valuable contest on the card is the Grade Three Slaney Novice Hurdle which disappointingly has attracted only four runners.
As a result it doesn't figure among the jackpot races which will be boosted with a £7,965 carryover but it does provide what could be a fascinating clash between Promalee and Oonagh's Star.
The former is likely to start favourite on his overall form, which includes just being run out of it by Lord Jim at Cheltenham last time, but there has also been evidence that Promalee may not find as much as could be expected when coming off the bridle and Oonagh's Star is selected instead.
A bumper winner here in May, Oonagh's Star added to that with another bumper at Leopardstown and a sauntering maiden hurdle victory over two and a half miles at Gowran. Recently bought out of Paddy Mullins yard and racing today in the JP McManus colours, Oonagh's Star returns to two and a half miles after looking slightly outpaced by Native Estates and Dudley Do Right at Fairyhouse last month. That looks a significant move and Charlie Swan's knowledge of Promalee can only be of benefit too.
Richard Dunwoody may find himself out of luck on both Dorans Pride and Promalee but it's hard to get away from him in the Liffey Maiden Hurdle where he rides Cliffs Of Dooneen for Noel Meade.
Cliffs Of Dooneen had every chance at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day when finishing third to Lord Dal and Sawa-Id, form that was boosted by SawaId's impressive win at Fairyhouse on Thursday. A strenuous race then on sapping ground is a worry but on the book, Cliffs Of Dooneen is very difficult to oppose. Meade's Oliver's Island will also be fancied in the Barrow Maiden Hurdle judged on his own third at Leopardstown behind Executive Decision but the concern about the effects of that effort may count for more here and Miss Gamble is preferred at what should be a decent price. There has been nothing wrong with Miss Gamble's two hurdles efforts at Limerick and behind Hamamelis at Navan and she could represent a touch of value.
In the opening Slate Handicap Hurdle, Bahao looks capable of a lot better than his effort behind Lady Of Grange at Clonmel last month and can get the better of the returning Kilspindie but Arthur Moore can score instead with Tartooth in the novice chase.
