Ruby Walsh drops into Thurles for just one ride when he reunites with Old Castletown for his father Ted in the Thurles Beginners Chase, which gets the meeting under way at 12.55pm.
Walsh junior was having his third ride back from injury when guiding the five-year-old to victory over timber last time and he is interesting on his return to chasing, having failed to make it past the first on his previous foray over fences.
Saltmills Blackie is another recent hurdle winner venturing over fences, while What About Harry finished second on his chasing bow at Wexford.
The Ballagh Mares Handicap Hurdle is the richest race on the card and sees last-time-out winners Dazzling Susie and Cloudy Rock take on Hell Cat Maggie, whose winning run came to an end only when stepped up to Grade Three company.
The latter's trainer Edward O'Grady also runs Banana Flambe in the Thurles Handicap Chase, though he has to overcome a recent mishap when unseating his rider at Clonmel and the improving Embracing Change.
Robert Tyner's gelding looked to have Banana Flambe's measure when he unseated and he runs under a 4lb penalty before the handicapper can have his say.
The form of Couleur France's second to Sheamus at Fairyhouse could hardly be much stronger with the winner and third scoring since, so he is likely to be a warm order for the thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle.
Slygufftou was second at Wexford last time and could be the biggest danger, though Morney Wing represents the in-form Dessie Hughes yard and stayed well when fourth at Bellewstown latest.
The consistent Silver Sally has Lizzies Way and Carrigeen Kigelia to contend with in the Templemore Mares Maiden Hurdle, while the Holycross Handicap Hurdle sees Diamond Dame bid to follow up a wide-margin Clonmel success under a 6lb penalty.
