RACING WEEKEND PREVIEW:SAM THOMAS can secure some positive headlines if Noland can pick up further Grade One honours in tomorrow's John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown, where the English raider clashes with the 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero War Of Attrition.
Normally the first major step on War Of Attrition's comeback would command the bulk of pre-race attention, but this week has been far from normal for Thomas.
The 24-year-old Welsh-born rider misses out on Master Minded in today's Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown after a series of big-race blunders since he stepped in for the injured Ruby Walsh.
Paul Nicholls' decision to substitute Tony McCoy for Thomas has dominated the news this week, but he remains loyal to Thomas for today's big race.
Noland, the 2006 Supreme Novices Hurdle winner, looks an ideal Durkan candidate, having beaten Finger Onthe Pulse by a dozen lengths on heavy ground at Down Royal in October.
Conditions are sure to be testing, and Nick Mitchell, trainer of last year's winner The Listener, reported: "The ground is heavy but that's what we want. We couldn't find anything wrong with The Listener after Down Royal so we hope he can get back to business on Sunday."
No horse has won back-to-back Durkans, and War Of Attrition has a score to settle with the race, too, having been beaten in it twice.
The excuses in 2005 and 2006 focused on the testing going which is similar to what he will face again. War Of Attrition has looked good in both his starts this season, but in Nolandhe faces a quality horse in peak form who has his ideal conditions.
War Of Attrition's jockey, Davy Russell, acknowledged as much yesterday when he said: "It is really a stepping stone. There is only one day that counts (Cheltenham Gold Cup)."
One of the most dramatic finishes at last weekend's triple Grade One card at Fairyhouse came in an ordinary handicap when Conempounced on Savitha right on the line to win.
Willie Austin's versatile eight-year-old is half a stone higher in the ratings for that, but the almost half mile further of tomorrow's handicap chase should suit him perfectly judged by his last display.
The Last Derbymakes a quick reappearance after his Fairyhouse victory last week and there was enough in that performance to suggest he can beat his elders.
Horner Woodsfinished almost 50 lengths behind Aran Concerto on his fencing debut at Navan, but should strip fitter for that and go close in the Beginners Chase.
Cockleshell Roadlooks an interesting jumping recruit in the first.
