Answer To Kayf Going For More Handicap Gold

Terence O'Brien is out to once again distress the huge weapons with Answer To Kayf in the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park.


The veteran remained on strongly to land the Troytown at Navan in November and will now try to include additional riches in another of Ireland's prestigious long-distance handicaps.


"He is lightly raced. The Troytown was a career-best, but you want to think he might have enhanced from that," the Carrigtwohill, Co Cork fitness instructor kept in mind.


"He has actually increased the handicap, but he's been wonderful for us and anything he does would be a benefit now. If he runs his race, he will be among the ones to beat."


Answer To Kayf is disputing favouritism with Robert Tyner's Better Days Ahead, who might properly called if remaining unbeaten this term after a pair of Fairyhouse wins prior to Christmas.


Owner JP McManus' racing supervisor Frank Berry said: "He's been fortunate for us up until now and he's probably up a bit again in grade and it's a great race.


John Shinnick and Answer To Kayf after winning the Troytown Chase at Navan (Brian Lawless/PA)


"Robert is really pleased with him and he goes there in excellent type, whether he suffices or not we wait and see.


"Stamina is his possession and he remains truly well and he won't mind the soft ground."


Gordon Elliott runs three in a bid to win the race for the third time - Look for Glory together with Pied Piper and Shecouldbeanything.


"Search For Glory has been second in two big handicaps, the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown the last time, and he might be finest matched of ours even if he has crept a little up the handicap," Elliott stated.


"In these races, I think it's more which horse manages the conditions best on the day."


Meanwhile, Willie Mullins saddles five in a race he has actually won four times in the last 10 years and 12 months earlier with subsequent Grand National hero Nick Rockett.


Paul Townend has plucked for Captain Cody from the Closutton quintet, with High Class Hero, Quai De Bourbon, Shanbally Kid and Spanish Harlem the other Mullins contenders.


Betway ambassador Townend described his choice by stating: "In such a stamina test I've chosen Captain Cody. He's got two runs under his belt already this season - including a dazzling run when 3rd in the Drinmore, over a trip way too short for him.


"His perform at Leopardstown over Christmas wasn't too bad either. This extended three miles will definitely fit him, although horses towards the top of the weights might find it on this ground. It's going to be a slog of a race. We have actually had a great deal of rain, and it's forecast to keep drizzling."