More than one punter at Clonmel tomorrow may be caught doing a double take before the £45,000 Morris Oil Chase as the winner for the last four years, Dorans Pride, will be absent.
Instead of the popular veteran dominating things, there is a five -strong field that includes two of the most popular horses in the country.
The 14 times that the Sport Racing Club, made up of prison officers from around Ireland, have welcomed Micko's Dream into the winner's enclosure have been among the most memorable receptions seen in recent years.
Ranged against the Willie Mullins-trained runner is one of the busiest horses anywhere.
Moscow Express will be having his 60th race tomorrow and will be going for win number 23.
Ruby Walsh has been on Moscow Express for some of his greatest triumphs, including the Galway Plate, but he is on Micko's Dream this time and the bookies believe the champion jockey has got it right.
Ladbrokes were yesterday betting Micko's Dream as their 5 to 4 favourite, with Moscow Express on 7 to 2. It was 4 to 1 Puget Blue and Ferbet Junior, with Rose Of Inchquin their 14 to 1 outsider.
Puget Blue already has beaten the market principals this season, at Gowran last month, but this again looks a race for the hardy annuals and Micko's Dream can add to that gallant Fortria victory last time out.
Walsh looks the jockey to follow in the first few races.
Boneyarrow's first hurdles start at Wexford was a disappointment but there should be considerable improvement from that sixth to Boleys Pride in the horse.
True Blue Victory has a much harder task on his hands in the handicap hurdle than he had when winning a maiden over the course and distance last time. Nevertheless, he was a very easy winner and looks sure to go close.
Star Councel was a long way behind Macs Gildoran at Navan last Sunday but made Hotel Minella work hard for second and there doesn't appear to be anything of that horse's class in the mares' beginners' chase.
Aimees Mark ran third to Ballyhampshire Boy and Satco Express at Galway and should be better suited by the company in the last.
Baracouda enjoyed what amounted to an exercise canter around Ascot as he cruised to success in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Ascot Hurdle yesterday.
Always travelling within himself some 20 lengths off the early pace set by Kates Charm, Thierry Doumen's mount loomed up behind the leaders on the home turn and sped clear on the run-in to beat a rejuvenated Hors La Loi III by nine lengths.
