Old Kilminchy can clinch it for Hourigan

Local trainer Michael Hourigan will be hoping to concentrate his energies on Beef Or Salmon's Ericsson challenge at Leopardstown but the home fires should still burn bright in his absence.

The Beginners Chase doesn't have quite the same kudos as the Ericsson but Hourigan still looks to have the winning of it, courtesy of Old Kilminchy.

It was a decent effort last time out to run fifth to the progressive Jurado Express at Thurles and this appears a winning opportunity for him.

It's a similar story in the bumper where Hourigan gives Maverick Dancer a first start since finishing in fourth place behind Stacumney Dancer at Fairyhouse.

The handicap good thing, Bizet, duly won at odds on over the course yesterday and that gave a nod towards Star Accord's shout in today's handicap hurdle.

Star Accord was attempting a very difficult task against Bizet at Thurles just before Christmas but ran on very well and was clearly best of the rest.

Sraid Na Cathrach has his second start of the holiday period in the two-and-a-half-mile maiden hurdle and the half-mile drop from St Stephen's Day can swing things his way.

Sraid Na Cathrach looked a very likely winner for much of a three-mile race just two days ago only for The Yellow Dream to go five lengths clear from the last fence.

Arthur Moore's horses have been running noticeably well of late and in that light, Lough Ennel's two-and-a-half-length second to Garvivonnian at Thurles reads pretty well in the context of the handicap chase.

Only four go in the conditions hurdle and Risky Reef has 8lbs in hand on the official ratings.

The formbook can be proved right.

The ex-Aidan O'Brien-trained Bringontheclowns was a big disappointment on his jumping debut so Langkawi Bay could be the safer option in the three-year-old hurdle.