Salsify is to have his final prep run at Leopardstown on Saturday ahead of his defence of the CGA Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The Raymond Smith Memorial Hunters Chase, won by Rodger Sweeney's gelding last year, could see Salsify again pitting his wits against the up-and-coming Tammys Hill, who has defeated him twice already this season in events at Wexford and Down Royal.

Sweeney, who was battling against snow at his stables near Castlelyons in County Cork on Tuesday, said: "He likes better ground, but he has to go this weekend as he needs to run before Cheltenham."

He added: "It should be a good race. Tammys Hill beat him fair and square at Down Royal, but the ground was very soft that day. He likes nice ground and hopefully it will all go well at the weekend."

Salsify had just a one-length advantage over Chapoturgeon at Cheltenham and Sweeney identifies Richard Barber's charge as the main danger.

"I saw Chapoturgeon win the other day and he looks the one to beat," he said.

"It was close last year, and all you need to do is make one mistake."

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