Colm Murphy is confident Glam Gerry is ready to make his presence felt in the hugely valuable Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown today.

With over 100,000 euros on offer to the winner, the three-mile handicap has unsurprisingly attracted a very strong and competitive field.

Glam Gerry is a course winner, showed his class when third at the Cheltenham Festival in the spring, and ran a blinder when switched back to the smaller obstacles for the Greatwood Hurdle back at Cheltenham last month.

Murphy has a second runner in Thursday's race in the shape of Gates Of Rome, and said: "The two of them are well, really well. You'd have to say on the formbook Glam Gerry is realistically going there with a great chance. He's in very good form and he shouldn't mind the ground.

"The three miles is a bit of an unknown but everything he does suggests he should get the trip, so we're very hopeful.

"Gates Of Rome is more of an outsider but he seems well and if he puts his best foot forward and has a clear round, he could be on the premises as well."

Last year's winner Cross Appeal is one of three runners for Noel Meade, who also saddles Muirhead and Thegreatjohnbrowne, the latter making his first competitive appearance in two years.

"Cross Appeal won the race last year and is in good form, but the rain that is falling will not be a help to him. He likes better ground, so we'll have to see what happens," said Meade.

"Muirhead is similar and the ground won't be ideal for him. If it turns into a real slog, that wouldn't really be in his favour. Thegreatjohnbrowne is in great form at home. The ground should be all right for him but obviously it's going to be difficult to win a race as competitive as this on his first run in a long time."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests