Answer To Kayf Going For More Handicap Gold

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


The veteran remained on highly to land the Troytown at Navan in November and will now attempt to add additional riches in another of Ireland's distinguished long-distance handicaps.


"He is lightly raced. The Troytown was a career-best, however you wish to think he might have improved from that," the Carrigtwohill, Co Cork trainer kept in mind.


"He has gone up the handicap, however he's been wonderful for us and anything he does would be a bonus offer 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 named 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 lucky for us up until now and he's probably up a bit once again in grade and it's an excellent race.


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


"Robert is truly delighted with him and he goes there in excellent form, whether he suffices or not we wait and see.


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


Gordon Elliott runs 3 in a bid to win the race for the 3rd time For Glory together with Pied Piper and Shecouldbeanything.


"Search For Glory has actually been second in 2 huge handicaps, the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown the last time, and he might be finest fit of ours even if he has sneaked a little up the handicap," Elliott stated.


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


Meanwhile, Willie Mullins saddles five in a race he has actually won 4 times in the last ten years and 12 months earlier with subsequent Grand National hero Nick Rockett.


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


Betway ambassador Townend explained his choice by stating: "In such an endurance test I've chosen Captain Cody. He's got 2 runs under his belt already this season - consisting of a dazzling run when 3rd in the Drinmore, over a journey way too short for him.


"His perform at Leopardstown over Christmas wasn't regrettable either. This extended 3 miles will definitely fit him, although horses towards the top of the weights might find it tougher on this ground. It's going to be a slog of a race. We've had a lot of rain, and it's anticipated to keep raining."