Mouse Morris is confident First Lieutenant and China Rock will be involved in the finish of the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown today.

First Lieutenant ran a cracker for third in the Hennessy at Newbury, but China Rock hasn't been seen since scoring at the highest level at the Punchestown Festival.

"I couldn't be happier with both of them and I expecting big shows from both. First Lieutenant has had a good start to the season. The ground isn't going to be ideal for him but it's the same for all of them and hopefully he'll be all right," said the trainer.

"China Rock is terribly well and even though it's his first run in a while, he's straight enough. He doesn't take much getting ready. He's a big price, but he doesn't know what price he is and I'm hopeful he's going to run very well. I wouldn't like to split the two of them."

Colm Murphy's Quito De La Roque needs to bounce back to form, with his trainer saying: "He came out of the Aintree race very well, he was as fresh as a daisy afterwards and the Lexus is the obvious race to go for. He won't mind the ground and he has run well round Leopardstown before. He's very well and we just hope he runs a nice race."

Paul Nicholls sends Tidal Bay and is keen to find out how the British form measures up against the best Ireland has to offer in the staying chase division.

He said: "It's going to be interesting taking on the two very good Irish horses but Ruby felt the track and the ground at Leopardstown would suit the horse so we're looking forward to it. His performance off top weight in the Hennessy suggests he's still improving and he deserves to take his chance."

Neil Mulholland acknowledges Midnight Chase faces a difficult task, but could not be happier with his condition. He said: "He's in very good form. He feels well and fresh in himself, so fingers crossed.

"He has come on since his run in the Charlie Hall. He needed that run a bit more than I thought. Hopefully they don't get too much more rain at Leopardstown. It's obviously a very good race, but where else do you go? He has to run in the good races and the ground here is better than it is in England at the moment."

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