Colin McBratney feels Sole Witness has plenty in his favour when he goes for the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park on Thursday.

The County Down trainer has had this race in mind for the nine-year-old since he landed a two-and-a-half-mile handicap chase at Navan in mid-December.

"He won nicely in Navan. The plan was to go here after then and we're very happy with him," said McBratney.

"He'll love the ground and the distance shouldn't be a problem. The weights have gone up a bit which is a bit of an inconvenience, but Ben Dalton takes 5lb off him. He knows him well which will help things. He won with 11st 6lb the last time so he can cope with it OK."

Willie Mullins expects Bishopsfurze to revel in the heavy conditions, but is less confident after his runner was left to give weight all round after the weights went up 9lb at the final declaration stage.

"He'll love the ground but he's got a lot of weight. It's going to be a tough task with that amount of weight," said Mullins.

Colm Murphy admits The Westener Boy faces a tough task in his first handicap. The Westener Boy was pulled up at Leopardstown last time but had opened his account over the bigger obstacles by 25 lengths on his previous start.

Murphy said: "Touch wood, hopefully he runs well. We are probably throwing him in at the deep end first time in a handicap. We are well aware of that. He seems all right. We were a bit worried initially after he was pulled up at Leopardstown."

Tarquinius has plenty on his plate, according to his trainer Gordon Elliott

"It's a big step up in class and he's gone up a lot in the weights, but if he could sneak into a place I'd be delighted," said Elliott.

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