The opposition is gathering strength to take on Florida Pearl for next Wednesday's Powers Gold Label-Tote Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.

Last year's race winner Commanche Court remains on track for a repeat but last season's star novice Native Upmanship and the veteran Dorans Pride are also lining up for another crack at Ireland's top-rated chaser.

Native Upmanship was yesterday confirmed for the £125,000 contest, formerly known as the Heineken, by trainer Arthur Moore who added: "He's in good form and we're hoping to establish before next season whether or not he gets three miles. I hope the ground doesn't get too soft." Dorans Pride will have a prefestival run in tomorrow's Dawn Milk Handicap Chase at Listowel. Trainer Michael Hourigan said : "If he's OK after Saturday he'll run again next week because he loves his racing."

Florida Pearl's trainer Willie Mullins repeated yesterday that Richard Johnson will have his second ride on the Archie O'Leary-owned star next week and added: "The horse is fine although we could have done without the six week break due to the foot-and-mouth crisis."

Commanche Court also has the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National early next month as a target and his trainer Ted Walsh said: "We're taking each day as it comes and Commanche Court is a possibility for the Irish National which he also won last year. However, there is so much uncertainty we can't make any firm plans."

The first of three days at Listowel begins with a mixed card and punters will be looking to get off to a good start in the six-furlong handicap which can fall to Solar At'Em.

Her trainer, James Burns, saddled a winner at Leopardstown during the week, and believes Solar At'Em will be OK on the soft ground and she holds La Stellina on Birdcatcher form.

Dermot Weld has also had a winner already this Flat season and looks to have the winning of the fillies maiden with Polite Reply while Pat Smullen could also take the mile handicap with the only three-year-old Clearly Blue who in the circumstances must be a significant declaration by Frances Crowley.

The conditions hurdle looks a reasonable opportunity for Ya- Ain while the course winner Amy Johnson could be the answer to the handicap chase on the back of a Tuesday warm-up over hurdles at Cork.