Bog Warrior can make successful return in testing conditions at Gowran Park

The odds suggest any enlightenment regarding Un De Sceaux's Champion Hurdle claims is likely to be minimal today when he faces just three opponents so it could be Bog Warrior's return to chasing that turns out to be the most significant Gowran Park feature. Injured when fifth to Solwhit in last season's World Hurdle, Bog Warrior is declared for his first run back in today's Grade Two Red Mills Chase.

He remains the light of Martin's eye and if he can dismiss four opponents in style, including the high-class handicapper Turban who will have his stamina stretched at the trip, then a tilt at the Gold Cup alongside Gigginstown Stud's other returning warrior, Last Instalment, could be on the cards.

Un De Sceaux should have little bother extending his unbeaten record to seven in his first start in a black-type race in the Grade Two hurdle. His stable companion Midnight Game has almost a stone to find with the ex-French star on official figures that could yet prove to be seriously under-estimating the Champion Hurdle dark-horse. "If he runs to anything like his previous form, you'd think he'd win," Willie Mullins said yesterday.

"I'm not worried that if he runs at Cheltenham he won't have faced a tough test. I'm quite happy building him up step by step."

Gowran Park will have an 8.0 inspection this morning with the threat of further rain. There was water lying on parts of the track yesterday and conditions were unraceable.