Mouse Morris runs Rathlin at Limerick© Photo Healy Racing
Mouse Morris feels Rathlin is not yet at peak fitness as he makes his seasonal return in an interesting PricewaterhouseCoopers Chase at Limerick today.
The seven-year-old won three times during an excellent novice campaign over fences and rounded off the year by chasing home the exciting Flemenstar in the Powers Gold Cup.
Morris is not concerned about the prospect of testing conditions this weekend, but feels his charge will strip fitter for the run. "He's ready to run but he'll improve for it I'd say," said Morris.
"He's a big, gross horse and it normally takes a run or two to get him right.
"It's a nice race to start him off in and the ground should be all right. I'd say he'll go on any ground."
Also carrying the colours of Gigginstown House Stud is the Dessie Hughes-trained Rivage D'Or an emphatic winner at Ballinrobe last month.
Hughes said: "The trip might be a bit short for him but these conditions races are scarce, so we'll let him take his chance.
"He might have a fitness advantage over one or two of them and he likes the soft ground, so we'll see what happens and make a plan from there."
Charles Byrnes is looking forward to seeing talented mare Knockfierna return to competitive action.
The seven-year-old won four times from seven starts during her first season over fences and with a mark of 141, may have to tackle the big boys this season.
"She's come back in good form. She showed some nice form last season and this is a good race to start her off in," said Byrnes.
"The ground will be all right for her and we'd be hopeful of a good run. "Sunday's race will tell us a lot about where we're going with her."
The Mags Mullins-trained Down In Neworleans makes his first start in over 400 days, but is three from three over fences.
"It's his first run back after being off a year and it's a good race," said Mullins.
"He'll probably need the run but it's a small field and a nice place to start off. If he gets round in one piece and comes home safe, I'll be happy.
"His work has been good and his schooling has been good. I think I've got him fairly ready but with a big horse like him, you're never sure until they run."
The seven-runner field is completed by Imperial Shabra False Economy and Watercolours
