Longhouse Poet will attempt to give Martin Brassil a second win in the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park on Thursday.
The eight-year-old, 33/1 for the Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, has had an unusual preparation for the €100,000 contest, having only recently reappeared from a year out with injury but has been the subject of strong market support in recent days.
Improving chances
Brassil, who won the Thyestes Chase with subsequent Grand National hero Numbersixvalverde back in 2005, is hoping the ground remains heavy at Gowran Park for his lightly raced type who accounted for the classy Run Wild Fred in a Beginners' Chase at Punchestown in 2020.
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Longhouse Poet was a 25/1 chance last week but has shortened significantly despite finishing last of the seven finishers on his comeback at Limerick on 28th December.
The Curragh handler admits the gelding's mixed form has done little to temper his optimism, believing that Thursday's race, available on the Sports Live Streaming hub, could be the perfect opportunity to bounce back.
Ground could play a part
"The plan is to run at Gowran Park on Thursday and I just hope the ground doesn't dry out too much for him, although this seems to be one of those tracks which holds its moisture well, Brassil said. "He seems to be very well in himself and I think he will come on a good bit for the run at Limerick. He just got tired that day."
He added: "He's a horse I've always thought a lot of and these type of staying chases would have to be on your mind for a horse like him. His beginners chase win at Punchestown has worked out okay but he will have to step up again in a race like the Thyestes."
