Another eagerly-anticipated clash between the champion hurdler Brave Inca and the top mare Asian Maze looks set to take place in Sunday's Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Brave Inca's trainer Colm Murphy made the weekend decision to give his stable star a third attempt at winning the two and a half mile pre-Christmas feature and yesterday Tom Mullins gave Asian Maze the green light for the Grade One prize.
Mullins had been mulling over sending the mare to Cheltenham the following weekend for the Boylesports International (formerly the Bula) but has come down in favour of the home option.
"You wouldn't know what the ground might be like at Cheltenham and going to Fairyhouse is the handier thing to do. I also want to give her a run at Christmas in the December Festival Hurdle and this way gives us an extra week to prepare for that," he said.
Asian Maze found only Iktitaf too good on her return to action in Punchestown's Morgiana Hurdle where she had Brave Inca well back in third. "I was very happy with that and the two and a half miles at Fairyhouse looks like it is probably her best trip," Mullins said.
Brave Inca has twice failed to win the Hatton's Grace but he too will bypass the Boylesports race in favour of another crack at Fairyhouse. "We're not keen on taking him to Cheltenham at this stage of the season and he needs another run before Leopardstown at Christmas. He's in good form," said Colm Murphy.
The appearance of both top hurdlers could mean that Rosaker will not take his chance in the Hatton's Grace although running plans may become clearer after today's forfeit stage. Rosaker's trainer Noel Meade has also nominated Wild Passion as another option for the race.
The champion trainer has already reported Mac Three a likely starter in the Drinmore Chase on Sunday which will be one of just three Grade One races on the prestigious card. Other likely candidates include the Punchestown winners Blueberry Boy and O'Muircheartaigh.
A total of 13 entries remain in Saturday's main event at Fairyhouse, the Grade Three Winter Festival Juvenile Hurdle, although they don't include Sunday's Navan winner Lounaos who is favourite with some firms for the Triumph Hurdle. A quick reappearance hadn't been ruled out by trainer Eoin Griffin immediately after the filly's weekend success.
However, Willie Mullins has left in Financial Reward and Frances Crowley could rely on the Thurles winner Victoria Night.
Margaret Fogarty has been appointed general manager at Gowran Park racecourse. She began the job yesterday.
