Top jockey Timmy Murphy will team up with the Co Dublin trainer Adrian McGuinness for the first time as the ante-post market leader Victram bids for more big-race success in Sunday's Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Winner of last year's Lincolnshire on the Flat, and of the 2004 Lartigue Hurdle at the Listowel festival, Victram was one of 36 left in the race at yesterday's forfeit stage, and is now assured of a place among the maximum 30-strong field. However, it is precisely the size of the field that encouraged Lusk-based McGuinness to engage Murphy.
"He is probably the best jockey around for dropping one out and coming with a late run, which is the way Victram likes to be ridden," said McGuinness. "We think he will suit the horse."
Andrew Lynch had been in contention for the mount but injured an arm last weekend, and Murphy's booking ended an anxious few days for the McGuinness team.
"There have been a lot of lads sweating here about getting a run, so it's a relief that that isn't a problem now. I was always hopeful, because a lot of horses were doubly entered or were chasing, but we're just happy he is in," the trainer added.
"Last year he was 14lb out of the handicap but could have run. It was just we decided not to. This will be the biggest National Hunt race he has run in and if the ground turns up soft there will be no problem with that."
The ground on the hurdles track at Leopardstown yesterday was "yielding to soft" and "soft" on the chase course. However, there will be anxious eyes trained on the sky on Thursday night as there is a chance of heavy rain.
"Thursday night will determine a lot," said Leopardstown's racing manager Tom Burke. "There is a chance of heavy rain going into Friday, but it will be largely dry for the week besides that."
Paul Nolan's course winner Escrea is a 5 to 1 joint-favourite with Victram in the Paddy Power lists, and will be 10lb higher in the ratings compared to when winning on the third day of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.
The sole British-trained entry is Jonjo O'Neill's Cherub, and no cross-sea-based horse has won the race since Jenny Pitman's Master Tribe in 1997.
The 2002 winner Adamant Approach figures among the entries again, as do the Christy Roche-trained duo No Where To Hyde and Fortmassini.
Arthur Moore has won the race on a record six occasions, first with Irian in 1979, and this time will rely on Bon Temps Rouler.
Seventeen horses remain in the Grade Two Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Novice Chase, including the impressive Christmas winner Nickname.
Willie Mullins has entered five for the race, including Our Ben, who was runner-up to Nickname on his fencing debut.
Another Christmas winner was Noel Meade's Back To Bid, who is among the 16 left in the PBS Hurdle over two and a half miles.
PIERSE HURDLE BETTING
Boylesports: 9-2 Victram, 5 Escrea, 6 No Where To Hyde, 10 Fortmassini, 12 Studmaster and Arch Rebel, 16 Bon Temps Rouler, Dalton, Kilbeggan Lad and Loughanalteen, 20 Bar.
Paddy Power: 5 Escrea and Victram, 8 No Where To Hyde, 10 Arch Rebel, 12 Fortmassini and Studmaster, 14 Bon Temps Rouler, 16 bar.
