Tony McCoy won't have to tackle his old friend and rival Ruby Walsh at Cork's triple-Graded race card on Sunday but Paul Townend still looks like being a tough opponent for the legendary champion jockey.
With Walsh on duty at Punchestown, Townend has secured an enviable collection of rides, including Twinlight who looks to have an excellent chance of recording back-to-back wins in the Grade Two Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase where McCoy will be on board Alderwood.
Anything but a win for the French recruit Vroum Vroum Mag in the Grade Three Mares Chase will be a surprise judged on the ease of her Irish debut win at Wexford but her stable companion Black Hercules looks to face a much stiffer task in the Grade Three novice hurdle.
The former smart bumper performer is already favourite for Cheltenham's Albert Bartlett Hurdle and should relish a step up to three miles.
Black Hercules is up against some smart performers though and has to concede weight to the highly-regarded Alpha Des Obeaux who won easily at Punchestown and sports a first-time hood.
Townend also rides Patsio in the opening maiden, one of two runners in the race for Philip Fenton, but could have a better shout in the novice handicap on Samanntom.
