Pandorama is in action today© Photo Healy Racing
Pandorama makes his latest return in what has been a troublesome couple of seasons in today's Imperial Call Chase at Cork (4.15).
Trainer Noel Meade has been adept at nursing horses back from injury but has had his work cut out with this gelding, who marched through the novice hurdling and chasing ranks but has had few tries on the big stage.
With the benefit of one moderate run in 2010, Pandorama managed to claim his biggest career success in the Lexus Chase and finish seventh in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
A leg injury intervened and County Meath-based Meade was only able to bring him back in time for the Lexus at the end of December, where he struggled and finished tailed-off behind Tidal Bay.
One more niggle later, and Pandorama is back for a clash with Roi Du Mee and Call The Police in this Grade Three feature over three miles.
"He came back at Christmas and then he pulled a ligament in his hind quarter," said Meade.
"It's been a struggle to get him back, but he's been pretty good. He's not quite back to himself but he's getting there and I chose this race because he doesn't have to carry penalties.
"I hope he'll be ready enough to give a good account of himself."
Even if Pandorama is not cherry-ripe for this contest, there should be further options for him.
"He is quite ground dependent - he does need it very soft, but if it stays that way we'll be looking at Punchestown," Meade said.
Not lacking in fitness will be the Gordon Elliott-trained Roi Du Mee, who has won five of his six most recent starts including a Grade Three at Punchestown, and he took the notable scalp of Prince De Beauchene in last month's Bobbyjo Chase.
Call The Police has been kept low-key by Willie Mullins since placing in last year's RSA.
A winner of minor events at Thurles and Clonmel, the 10-year-old jumps up in trip after being readily outpointed by Days Hotel and Realt Dubh at Naas.
The remaining six runners appear to have an impossible chance on ratings. The closely-matched big three are rated around 2st superior.
