Leading John Smith's Grand National contenders Prince De Beauchene and Seabass clash in the At The Races Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse.

The Willie Mullins-trained Prince De Beauchene was a hugely impressive winner of one of Ireland's biggest National trials 12 months ago, but an injury suffered during the race ruled him out of a trip to Aintree.

However, he appeared as good as ever when winning on his seasonal reappearance over hurdles at Limerick in December.

Mullins told At The Races: "He won last year and came into the winner's enclosure 100%, but by the time he got back up to the veterinary unit he was lame and he just got lamer and lamer. He pulled some type of ligament or something and I hope he can get through that this year.

"He had a nice run over hurdles down in Limerick and was fine afterwards, so let's get the Bobbyjo out of the way and then look to Aintree. The way he did it at Limerick did surprise me a bit, but he had been working well at home.

"He's got plenty of weight (in the National), but he's a huge horse and built to carry it. Taking last year into account, I'm happy if I get him there. I don't want any last-minute problems. He's one to look forward to with his style of jumping and the size and scope that he has."

Among his rivals is Ted Walsh's Seabass, who ran a superb race under the trainer's daughter Katie when third in last year's Grand National. He ran well over hurdles at Fairyhouse on his return earlier this month and aims to enhance his own Aintree claims.

After a slightly disappointing start to the campaign, Colm Murphy's dual Grade One-winning chaser Quito De La Roque looked more like his old self when beating Roi Du Mee comfortably at Thurles a month ago.

Murphy said: "We were delighted with his performance the last day and hopefully if he can reproduce that, he'll run a big race. He's got to give a bit of weight away, but hopefully he's up to it and this race will tell us a lot about where we're going.

"He's in the Gold Cup and the National and there is also the three-mile race at Aintree and Punchestown later on, so we'll see how we go."

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