Answer To Kayf Opting For More Handicap Gold

Terence O'Brien is out to as soon as again upset the huge weapons with Answer To Kayf in the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park.


The veteran remained on strongly to land the Troytown at Navan in November and will now try to add more riches in another of Ireland's prominent long-distance handicaps.


"He is gently raced. The Troytown was a career-best, but you 'd like to think he could have improved from that," the Carrigtwohill, Co Cork trainer kept in mind.


"He has actually increased the handicap, however he's been fantastic for us and anything he does would be a bonus now. If he runs his race, he will be one of the ones to beat."


Answer To Kayf is contesting favouritism with Robert Tyner's Better Days Ahead, who might appropriately named if remaining unbeaten this term after a set of Fairyhouse wins prior to Christmas.


Owner JP McManus' racing manager Frank Berry stated: "He's been fortunate for us up until now and he's probably up a bit once again in grade and it's an excellent race.


John Shinnick and Answer To Kayf after winning the Troytown Chase at Navan (Brian Lawless/PA)


"Robert is actually happy with him and he goes there in excellent kind, whether he suffices or not we wait and see.


"Stamina is his possession and he remains actually well and he won't mind the soft ground."


Gordon Elliott runs three in a quote to win the race for the third time - Search For Glory along with Pied Piper and Shecouldbeanything.


"Look for Glory has been 2nd in two huge handicaps, the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown the last time, and he may be best matched of ours even if he has actually sneaked a little up the handicap," Elliott stated.


"In these races, I believe it's more which horse handles the conditions best on the day."


Meanwhile, Willie Mullins saddles five in a race he has actually won 4 times in the last 10 years and 12 months back with subsequent Grand National hero Nick Rockett.


Paul Townend has plucked for Captain Cody from the Closutton quintet, with High Class Hero, Quai De Bourbon, Shanbally Kid and Spanish Harlem the other Mullins contenders.


Betway ambassador Townend discussed his choice by saying: "In such an endurance test I've chosen Captain Cody. He's got 2 runs under his belt already this season - consisting of a brilliant run when third in the Drinmore, over a journey way too short for him.


"His perform at Leopardstown over Christmas wasn't too bad either. This extended three miles will definitely match him, although horses towards the top of the weights might discover it tougher on this ground. It's going to be a slog of a race. We have actually had a lot of rain, and it's forecast to keep ."