Barba Papa is set to head a powerful Irish challenge for Saturday`s Tote Cesarewitch at Newmarket.
The Ascot Stakes winner and the Willie Mullins-trained Tryphaena are at the top of ante-post lists for the marathon handicap at British racing`s `headquarters`, for which 42 horses were confirmed today.
And Barba Papa`s trainer Tony Martin also fears the challenge of Dermot Weld`s Chester Cup runner-up Ansar in the contest.
He said: 'I`d be happy with the way things have gone with him and Johnny Murtagh rides.
'I would prefer good ground for him - he`ll get through soft but the better the ground the better it is for him.
'He definitely deserves his chance. On his Ascot run he`s entitled to be up there in the betting but Ansar is the one I like in the race.'
Barba Papa has not raced since finishing third in the Guinness Galway Hurdle in August, having won the Ascot Stakes at the Royal meeting in June in the hands of Murtagh.
A total of 42 horses were declared today for the Cesarewitch.
But Spirit Of Love`s presence at the top of field on 9st 10lb leaves no fewer than 22 out of the handicap proper, including 1997 winner Turnpole for whom Mary Reveley has booked leading apprentice rider Jamie Mackay.
