All roads lead to Thurles this afternoon as the Co. Tipperary track hosts the Grade 2 Matty Ryan Memorial Kinloch Brae Chase as well as the Grade 3 Coolmore NH Sires EBF (Mares) Novice Chase.
The "Kinloch Brae" has attracted a competitive field of five runners with last year's 1-2 Follow The Plan and Roberto Goldback taken on by the hat-trick seeking Apt Approach from the all-conquering Willie Mullins yard.
Oliver McKiernan feels Follow The Plan, who has to give weight all round, will be hard-pressed to repeat his success of 12 months ago.
"He's in good enough form and if he runs as well as he did in this race last year, we'll be very happy," said the Co. Dublin handler.
"The trip is on the short side for him now and the ground will be soft so those things won't be in his favour.
"It's similar to last year but he would have been a bit more forward then. You'd have to think we're running for place money, but you never know."
Dessie Hughes is hopeful the drop down from Grade 1 company, when fourth behind Synchronised in the Lexus Chase last time, will see Roberto Goldback come out on top.
"He probably wants a bit further and a better track, but he's just in between. He has plenty of weight in handicaps and he's not shown us yet he's a true Grade 1 horse," said Hughes.
"When these races come along they are the only chance he has, but he's a nice horse and is in good form.
"He ran well in the Lexus. Leopardstown's a better track for him and it was good ground there as well. It's a different job at Thurles, but it's a lesser race."
The Mares Chase is the chief supporting race and Knockfierna bids to atone after appearing to have Sir Des Champs in trouble when running out at the Limerick Christmas meeting.
The Charles Byrnes-trained seven-year-old has already scored at Grade 3 level over fences, and will attempt to give away 6lb to the likes of Askanna and Golden Sunbird
The first on a seven race card gets underway at 1.05pm, and the going remains soft on both the hurdle and chase courses after just 0.9mm of rain overnight.
