DERRYMOYLE'S trainer Michael Cunningham was not alone in hoping that Mole Board would stand his ground for today's £60,000 Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle. His defection has necessitated a hefty 13lb rise in the weights, which on the prevailing heavy ground places a premium on those in the top bracket of the handicap. However, Cunningham was also hoping that the going would be testing enough to slow down the rivals of his durable charge, whose optimum distance is two and a half miles.

Derrymoyle was strongly fancied by connections to win last year's Ladbroke. He failed by a length to beat the unconsidered Anusha, having looked all over the winner on rising to the last flight. He was somewhat unlucky in that he dragged his hind legs on the bar of the first obstacle and, as his trainer claims, got such a fright he jumped the next three feet clear and the one after that two feet clear!

I fancied Derrymoyle last year and, despite his weight, even more so today. Cunningham said he had him pretty straight when, on his seasonal reappearance at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day, he finished a three lengths third behind Dance Beat, having had every chance on rising to the last. That was a most satisfactory run, particularly as he was carrying top weight of 12st. He will, of course, be the better for that race, his first since beating Dorans Pride in a three mile hurdle at Punchestown in April.

Another good effort by Derrymoyle was to divide compatriots Chance Coffey and Time For A Run, ahead of Collier Bay - until his defection the ante post favourite for today's race - in the two miles and five furlongs Coral Cup at Cheltenham in March. Fourth behind Atone in the 1994 Ladbroke, this may be third time lucky for Derrymoyle, for whom his regular partner Mark Dwyer has been booked.

Jessica Harrington's Dance Beat is a most consistent performer and meets Derrymoyle on just 1lb worse terms. As the latter will start either first or second favourite, it can be argued that Dance Beat is by far the better value at around 12 to 1, but I am banking on Derrymoyle having improved since Fairyhouse. Certainly, Dance Beat appeals strongly each way.

Having won this race with Bonalma, Roark and Fredcoteri (twice), Arthur Moore knows what it takes. His improving Jeffell, a very easy winner at Limerick last time out, was the medium of a significant gamble in recent days, but like stable jockey Frank Woods, my preference is for stable companion Family Way, who was fancied for this event last year but slipped up in an early stage. Touched off by Home Counties in the Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham, Family Way needed his last race at Thurles. At his best, he would go close under what can be termed a winning weight.

No British trained horse has won the Ladbroke since Barnbrook Again in 1987. The latter's trainer David Elsworth now saddles Bookcase and Nemuro, and the former, who is best held up for a late effort, is consistent, though probably best on a good surface. Chiefs Song is ridden by Richard Dunwoody, who rode him to beat Eskimo Nell and Bookcase in a hard fought finish to the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Sandown early last month. Bookcase is now 5lb better off for just over three and a half lengths, which gives Elsworth's charge the edge. At the likely odds, I reckon Bookcase is far better value than Chiefs Song.

Aidan O'Brien's charge Kaldan Khan is preferred to stable companion Crossfarnogue. Owned by J P McManus, whose colours are also carried by Family Way, Kaldan Khin should have a big future. He was attempting to give 12lb to Sambara when beaten two lengths by Willie Mullins's charge at Fairyhouse, but the difference, is now only 5lb, and KaldanKhan is said to have twisted his pelvis in running.

There are others to consider, such as Arctic Weather, runner up in 1994, and the consistent Bank Statement, but a choice must be made and it's Derrymoyle, to beat Dance Beat and Kaldan Khan, with Bookcase nominated as the best outsider. Success for the selection would well compensate owner Herb Stanley for Merry Gale's below par performance in the King George VI Chase.

On the prevailing ground, I would not be surprised to see the tough Klairon Davis beat Strong Platinum in the McCain Handicap Chase. The frustrating Rough Quest - who I understand had a shoulder problem will go close in the Pierse Leopardstown Chase, but the going is now very much in favour of Nuaffe.