ONLY by Cheltenham Festival standards would 10 winning favourites in 45 races be considered satisfactory. That, however, is the record of market leaders in the maiden hurdles run in this country so far this year. Perhaps the Turf Club might consider improving the punters' chances by adopting the same policy in these type of events as the Jockey Club, who do not provide any allowances for horses who have failed to win either on the Flat or in bumpers.

Those who wish to support the likely favourite, Friarstown Duke, in the 20 runner Ballyhale Maiden Hurdle at Gowran this afternoon might also note that only two favourites have obliged when races had this number or more runners. Still, whatever the statistics, Friarstown Duke is the selection on his second over the course to Little Buck back in January. Renny was a shade unlucky not to catch Flip Your Lid at Listowel and may provide the main danger.

Fergie Sutherland, after his superb triumph with Imperial Call, attempts to win his fourth race in succession with Go Go Gallant. A course and distance winner who will handle the heavy ground, Go Go Gallant may be capable of conceding 13lb to Twin Rainbow.

The Kilkenny Hunters Chase should be an informative contest, with Corymandel, Stay In Touch and Credit Transfer all seemingly holding sound chances. Credit Transfer chased home the Cheltenham winner Elegant Lord at Leopardstown and might be worth supporting here.

Hail To Home landed a nice touch at Listowel, where her supporters never had any worries as she led before turning into the straight before racing away to a four lengths victory. She was set to meet the runner up Florida Star included among the reserves in the Kilkenny Handicap Hurdle on 10lb worse terms, and might be improving sufficiently to be involved in the finish.

Jimmy The Weed was a considerable distance ahead of the third when chasing home shock winner Dundock Wood over three miles at Naas in heavy going. Today's shorter trip may not be too much of a disadvantage and is taken to beat Hail To Home.

Slaney Standard gave an encouraging display on his return to action after a lengthy absence when fourth to Old Abbey at Punchestown. He may be worth taking a chance with against Betterbebob and Shining Willow in the Lukeswell Novice Hurdle.

Limerick's two day meeting opens tomorrow when Lady Daisy should follow up her Naas victory of last week by taking the FBF Mares Novice Hurdle. Party Woman, a smooth winner at Leopardstown, may be the pick of the others.

Favourite in three of his five starts this year, Irish Breeze is proving expensive to follow. His filth of 28 to The Latvian Lark at Fairyhouse was a decent effort and he is probably worth at least one more chance.

Third at Punchestown to Percy Brennan and Blazing Spectacle Boro Vacation is napped to take the Dawn Milk Beginners Chase for Paddy Mull ins and Tom Treacy.