Answer To Kayf Going For More Handicap Gold

Terence O'Brien is out to as soon as again upset 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 include additional riches in another of Ireland's distinguished long-distance handicaps.


"He is lightly raced. The Troytown was a career-best, but you 'd like to believe he could have improved from that," the Carrigtwohill, Co Cork trainer noted.


"He has actually gone up the handicap, but he's been fantastic for us and anything he does would be a bonus offer now. If he runs his race, he will be one of the ones to beat."


Answer To Kayf is challenging favouritism with Robert Tyner's Better Days Ahead, who might appropriately named if staying unbeaten this term after a pair of Fairyhouse wins prior to Christmas.


Owner JP McManus' racing manager Frank Berry stated: "He's been lucky for us so far and he's probably up a bit again in grade and it's a good 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 great kind, whether he suffices or not we wait and see.


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


Gordon Elliott runs three in a bid to win the race for the 3rd time - Search For Glory in addition to Pied Piper and Shecouldbeanything.


"Look for Glory has actually been 2nd 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 actually crept a little up the handicap," Elliott said.


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


Meanwhile, Willie Mullins saddles five in a race he has actually won 4 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 quintet, with High Class Hero, Quai De Bourbon, Shanbally Kid and Spanish Harlem the other Mullins contenders.


Betway ambassador Townend explained his decision by saying: "In such an endurance test I've opted for Captain Cody. He's got two runs under his belt already this season - including a fantastic run when 3rd in the Drinmore, over a journey way too short for him.


"His perform at Leopardstown over Christmas wasn't too bad either. This extended 3 miles will certainly suit him, although horses towards the top of the weights may find it harder 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 anticipated to keep raining."