Champagne Fever and Sizing Europe cross swords in a fascinating battle for the Clonmel Oil Chase on Thursday.
Sizing Europe needs no introduction and the eight-time Grade One winner justified the decision to keep him in training when outbattling subsequent Jnwine.com Champion Chase hero Road To Riches on his Gowran Park comeback.
But, in Champagne Fever, he faces a dual Cheltenham Festival winner of the highest calibre and one who Willie Mullins hopes will develop into a King George, and possibly Gold Cup, contender.
This Grade Two isn't just a two-horse race but, on all known form, the likes of Rubi Light, Rathlin, Roi Du Mee and Alderwood should be playing for minor money.
The feature race is ably supported by the Grade Three EBF T.A. Morris Memorial Mares Chase, and UK raiders Une Artiste and Baby Shine are no strangers to Irish soil.
The home defence is strong, though, and is headed by Byerley Babe, who pipped Une Artiste to a Thurles prize at the start of the year.
Clara Mc Cloud and Memories Of Milan bring a good level of consistency to the table in the Clonmel Oil Service Station Handicap Hurdle, but the latter has something to find with bottom-weight Tulsa Jack, who was a couple of places ahead of him when third over this course and distance a fortnight ago.
Killultagh Vic held his own in the championship bumpers at both Cheltenham and Punchestown and if he translates that level of ability to obstacles, he will take a power of beating in the opening I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at 12.55pm.
The Bold Beckey has let favourite-backers down twice since scoring at Tramore but plenty will keep the faith in the Clonmel Oil Race Day Handicap Hurdle, while last-start winners Elegant Statesman, Spot Fine and Swiftmarc do battle in the Prior Park Service Station Clonmel Handicap Chase.
