A three-runner field is something of a bum dividend for today's National Lottery Agent Champion Chase at Gowran but that won't matter to the Galway legend Ansar, who looks in line for another big prize.
The likelihood of quick ground means that an initial entry for a €65,000 prize, that once included the likes of Beef Or Salmon and War Of Attrition, has been pared down to just two opponents, Strong Project and Always, for the double-Plate winner. Although overnight rain is forecast, a lot of it would have to fall for Ansar not to hold an edge.
One of Ansar's former jockeys, Paul Carberry, has had his own tempestuous week, what with a court appearance mixed in with winners, but he looks set for a good afternoon.
Timber Scorpion should improve for a Listowel debut over flights while Nassaro has a big shout in the Listed Hurdle.
The bumper looks a fascinating race and it could pay to side with On You Go, who looked very green at Listowel but still only got beaten a length by Lord Over. He's a rare JP McManus-owned runner for Co Cork-based Eugene O'Sullivan and there should be significant improvement to come.
