The view has been expressed in some quarters that more claiming races would be a welcome addition to the programme in Ireland and anyone of that persuasion will feel further vindicated by an interesting opener at Dundalk, the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Claiming Race.

It seems reasonable to expect plenty of activity post this extended mile-and-a-quarter contest, with some well-known names among the 14-strong field.

Two hold official ratings of 80 or better, with the six-time-winning seven-year-old Hes Our Music (assessed as an 83 performer) up at the head of the weights under Pat Smullen. Pat Flynn's good servant is in at an asking price of 20,000 euro. Mandarin Monarch is just a three-year-old and he hasn't gone on as might have been expected after a win on his only start at two. However, the handicapper still has Jim Bolger's Manduro chestnut on a perch of 80, and doubtless he'll take many an eye with his claiming tag of 10,000 euro.

This is no two-horse race, though, with Roger Fell's British raider San Quentin worthy of consideration.

Fell has booked Billy Lee, enjoying his best season ever, for the spin on the grey. The five-year-old actually began his career in Ireland, with Charles O'Brien, and he could attract suitors now at 16,000 euros.

San Quentin's stable companion Caspian Prince goes in the featured Mercury Stakes, along with a host of others from across the Irish Sea, and Kevin Ryan's Big Time competes in the concluding Book Your Christmas Party At Dundalk Handicap.

Competitive as it may be, the Pat Smullen-ridden Big Time seems sure to be popular with punters. He started off with John Murphy over here, and he drops back to seven furlongs after fading over a mile at York recently.