Goss may have edge over tired opponents

The Powers Gold Label Novice Hurdle is the main support to the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse today and with many of the main fancies having had hard races at Cheltenham it could be Goss that comes out best.

The smart ex-flat racer has had just three runs since coming to Ireland and just two over hurdles. He won both of them, too, including at Naas when he didn't appear to get the run of the race.

The McManus runner is clearly highly regarded and his freshness could play a part against the Supreme fifth Sacundai, the Champion Hurdle tenth Chimes At Midnight and the Triumph fourth Balapour.

Barry Geraghty has chosen Henry Afrika in the opener and the booking looks significant for a horse that won over hurdles at Navan.

Rapid Deployment could atone for an expensive failure at Cork on Saturday if pulled out for the handicap hurdle while the Naas point-to-point winner Hi Cloy may be the answer to the bumper.

The flat dominates down at Cork where Aidan O'Brien runs the US Triple Crown entry Ursa Minor in the mile conditions race.

O'Brien and Mick Kinane should also be on the mark with the Storm Cat colt Statue Of Liberty in the six-furlong maiden.

Room To Room Value will be fighting fit from hurdling in the mile and a half handicap while Hadath finished noticeably well from a slow start over five furlongs at the Curragh and should benefit for the extra distance in the sprint handicap.

Dermot Weld's three-year-olds have been slower to click than some but the Sadlers Wells filly Easy Sunshine can land the seven furlong maiden.