Murtagh shows his desire

John Murtagh faces a hectic dash from the Breeders' Cup tonight in order to resume his jockeys championship challenge with three intended rides at Galway tomorrow.

Currently level on 76 winners with Pat Smullen, Murtagh's desire to regain the title is evident from his travel commitments and his decision to appeal against a two-day ban picked up at Fairyhouse on Wednesday.

Murtagh's rides all carry topweight, which will be no mean task on the forecast "soft to heavy" going. Of the trio, Masakala may have the best chance of carrying the weight in the seven-furlong Parkmore Handicap, despite having been raised 4lb for a neck defeat of Emperor Naheem at Gowran last time.

Pollardsfield came out half a length behind the Murtagh ridden Catch Ball at Fairyhouse during the week but looks to have a good chance of going one better in the Renvyle Handicap.

Over The First overcame very testing ground to beat Prince Dante and Spokesman at Tipperary and that resolution will be to his advantage again in the Grade 3 Novice Chase.

His trainer Charlie Swan could also have a winner from the saddle on Christy Roche's Yayo in the Listed Handicap Hurdle, and the horse can improve on his last visit to Ballybrit when runner-up to Taraza on the flat.

David Casey's decision to ride at Wexford can pay off in style. Boneyarrow's bumper form looks good for the opener while Casas could go well at a decent price in the second handicap hurdle.

The South East feature is the £30,000 Bewleys Handicap Chase which could go to Change On the Script, who comes to the race on the back of a good hurdles run behind April Allegro at Gowran.