It's doubtful if today's Denny Gold Medal Chase can provide a similarly stirring finish to the Galway Plate but with four of the first five home in that Ballybrit feature, it does provide an intriguing puzzle. However, it looks one that Nicholls Cross can solve.
Moscow Express was a gallant winner at Galway from Lucky Town with Nicholls Cross third and the top-weight's stable companion Colm's Rock fifth.
Even with 12 st, Moscow Express will be a tough opponent to crack especially if Ruby Walsh gives him another aggressive ride. Tralee though provides a different sort of challenge to Galway and the easier track should bring Lucky Town and Nicholls Cross right into the equation.
There was only a length and a neck between the three at Galway but Nicholls Cross's trainer Edward O'Grady afterwards pointed to a 10 day lay-off that his horse had had some weeks before the Plate as a definite factor.
The dark horse is Siberian Gale. He must be respected but while Nicholls Cross surprised some by how well he ran on up the hill at Galway, he should still be suited more by the level Tralee course and with a 6lb pull in the weights, that can swing it his way.
Moscow Express's trainer Frances Crowley should still have a good day. The Killarney winner Lodge Hill will be a popular choice to make a successful start to his hurdling career in the opener while Promalee is marginally preferred to win a hot looking Havasnack Race.
Among the topflight of Ireland's novice chasers last season, Promalee is no mere stayer but he will have to prove that to cope with the returning To Your Honour, Barba Papa and the speedy Daraheen Chief.
Cappamore Girl enjoys a huge weight turn with Kasota in the two mile handicap and with Willie Mullins's string in typically formidable form, she could be worth an interest while Dancing Sea may finally secure a win in a weakish looking last race.
Pat Flynn's horses have to be examined carefully now that they are coming back to their real form and Chipperchatter can cope with the hike up in trip well enough to follow a comfortable two length success at Tipperary last Thursday in the 11 furlong handicap.
