Bruree-based trainer Enda Bolger has Gilgamboa close to home on Friday but is also sending his top hunter On The Fringe on the long journey north to Down Royal in an attempt to follow up a 2013 St Stephen's Day victory there.
On The Fringe has to concede weight all-round, and possibly wouldn’t like ground conditions to get very testing, but brings a touch of class to a competitive race.
His owner, JP McManus, can also strike in the north in the opening Beginners' Chase with Drumlee, who will be ridden by Niall Madden.
It was in this race a year ago that Madden was hit with a seven-day suspension aboard Fahamore but he can enjoy a happier experience now on Drumlee, who should appreciate a step up to two and a half miles.
Yachvili, the veteran horse at the centre of the Downpatrick race in 2011 that eventually saw his former owner Robert Martin warned-off for 10 years, and jockey Eddie O'Connell banned for four years on corruption charges, reappears after almost two years in the handicap chase at Down Royal, while No Dice looks to have a good chance in the bumper.
