Nolan looking to go one better

Racing Gowran preview: Paul Nolan famously waited a whole year to gain Galway Hurdle revenge with Cloone River and the Co Wexford trainer can repeat the dose with Kymandjen in today's Ellen Construction Thyestes Chase.

Gowran Park's €100,000 feature provided nothing but heartache for Nolan and jockey John Cullen 12 months ago when they lost out on a short head photo that most initially felt had gone their way.

It was desperately disappointing for all concerned but when Nolan sets his sights on revenge he is a man to take note of. Cloone River didn't see a hurdle for a year after finishing runner-up at Galway in 2003 but rewarded all that patience with a memorable summer success in 2004.

Kymandjen has been busy compared to that but a sole start this winter yielded a good win at Tramore where he first sported the colours of Martin Doran of today's big race sponsors.

There is no Numbersixvalverde to spoil the party this time and despite being 10lb higher in the ratings, as well as having a typically competitive field to cope with, Kymandjen still looks to have a stand out chance.

Crucially this year's Thyestes will be run on much better ground than normal and with yielding going being forecast it is encouraging to see Kymandjen's CV even includes a novice chase victory on fast ground!

Backers of the ante-post favourite Dun Doire will be hoping one of the field is unable to take part as Tony Martin's prolific winner is first reserve with Paul Carberry pencilled in to ride.

If he does get a run Dun Doire will be a major threat to a strong Nolan team that also includes the giant Colnel Rayburn and Coljon.

Colnel Rayburn is an interesting runner on the back of just one hurdles start since the Aintree National but if Nolan is going to take care of some unfinished business he looks most likely to do it with Kymandjen.

Emotional Moment looks another stand out bet to repeat his win of 2005 in the Grade Three Galmoy Hurdle.

At the end of a dour Leopardstown slog over Christmas Tom Taaffe's horse was mugged on the line by Rosaker and had only a length and a half to spare over Strangely Brown in third.

But Emotional Moment had taken the race by the scruff of the neck at half way in an effort to take the sting from Solerina and although successful in that there was nothing left for the finish. Today's race looks a less demanding task.

Noel Meade's continental recruits are always to be feared and Vintox brings some jumping experience from France, including a second in an Auteuil Listed race in September, to the opener.

Sher Beau was not fully wound up when making his chasing debut at Limerick over Christmas and in the circumstances did well to get within eight lengths of the winner. He should be a different proposition today in the novice chase.

Black Harry's bumper win at Leopardstown has had a form boost from Hairy Molly since and Willie Mullins's horse looks the one in the last.