Ansar is the star name on show at Wexford this afternoon where Dermot Weld's remarkable horse can prove how versatile he is even away from his beloved Galway.
The nine-year-old star established himself as a Ballybrit legend with back-to-back victories in the Plate last month to add to previous wins in the big hurdle as well as on the flat.
Afterwards Weld outlined a possible plan to go to Japan next spring for the valuable Grand Jump. Yet, although today's €10,000 two-mile handicap on the level is altogether a more mundane prospect, Ansar's claims for another success still look sound.
A rating of 63 doesn't look unfair for a horse who ran second in the Chester Cup off almost a two stone higher mark and the Plate proved he is still in rare good form.
Riverboatman is also a pretty versatile sort and ran a fine race at Tralee on Tuesday when beaten only half a length by All sorts. Frances Crowley's horse has quarter of a mile further to go now which should suit and Riverboatman is clearly another in form.
The Montjeu filly Massuci can increase her paddock value in the 13-furlong maiden. She wasn't beaten that far at Roscommon on her second start and this looks a poor event.
Carlesimo gets the chance to recover from his expensive misfortune at Galway when he has a second start over fences at tomorrow's Ballinrobe fixture.
Noel Meade's horse was odds-on to follow up a flat success at the festival but was brought down three from home on his chasing debut. He was still in with a shout at the time and he can prove the point now under Denis O'Regan. Soft conditions would be no problem to Apollo One in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle.
