Irish Racing Preview: Johnny Murtagh makes his return to race-riding at Gowran this afternoon where he is scheduled to ride the likely favourite Livadiya in the Listed Cordell-Lavarack Stakes.

With a 112 rating, the veteran mare has a clear shout at the figures of winning but the gap between Stakes races and handicaps is a large one and the fast ground is also sure to be a factor in the result.

Snippets hasn't been a disappointment at Tralee but is proven at the grade and on firm ground. If the Jim Bolger filly's temperament doesn't let her down, she will be a danger to all.

Battling Mac has a mandatory 5lb penalty for winning at the track over nine furlongs on Thursday and goes in the second division of the seven furlong handicap today.

The drop back in distance is significant, however, and with Mick Kinane on Flying Boat, the three times winner at the trip looks a value alternative.

Kinane also looks to have a shout in the Nursery with the Ballydoyle runner Anchor who came good at the third time of asking at the Curragh.

The feature at Limerick tomorrow is the Munster National which sees the Kerry National winner Native Performance try to follow in the path of last year's double hero, More Than A Stroll.

Fast ground, however, will be ideal for Wotsitooya who has been a fixture in the top handicaps for the last year but who looks to have his best opportunity yet under Davy Russell.

The jockey can also team up successfully with trainer Michael O'Brien on of Gold Blended in the conditions hurdle.

The going will also be ideal for Theseus in the two-mile handicap chase and Kickham is hard to get away from in the opener even though he had just a length in hand of Manjoe in Cork.