Moon Dice© Photo Healy Racing
Moon Dice the 2011 Galway Hurdle hero, has just his second start on the Flat in the Owenavarragh Maiden at Wexford.
The Paul Flynn-trained nine-year-old shaped encouragingly over two miles at Dundalk last month when third behind Wither Hills in a fair maiden.
Moon Dice stays at that distance for this next run, with Nina Carberry booked to ride, but Flynn insists a career on the level will only be a fleeting vocation.
He may have failed to make an impact over fences, but connections of the gelding plan to revert to hurdling, with a return to Galway in August not out of the question.
Flynn said: "He went chasing and obviously didn't take to it, but we've got him back going again now.
"His first run on the Flat was good and we'd like to think there's a bit more to come from him.
"It looks a hot enough race, but Nina was keen to ride and he's in serious order with himself.
"I'm sure he's capable of winning a Flat race, but it might not be this one as there's a lot of decent horses from big yards in there.
"He's had a lot of issues with his back, but he's over them and firing again.
"This is basically just to keep him occupied until the ground comes right again for hurdling.
"If he were to run well over hurdles the next time, Galway would again be in the back of our minds."
A good 14-runner field has been declared, with Dermot Weld set to go to war with Marty's Magic
Pat Flynn fields three runners in Creadan Mist Rhinestone Cowgirl and Storm Away while Passage Vendome - rated 132 over fences - makes his Flat debut for Willie Mullins. He'llberemembered who finished eighth in the Topham at Aintree, is another interesting contender for the Paul Fahey team.
Brendan Duke 's Punch Bag bids to go one better than on his reappearance this season when he lines-up for the Black Point Handicap.
The three-year-old was just touched off at Limerick last month, going down by a nose to Hellenistic.
Duke said of the Jackie Bolger-owned gelding, who runs off a 4lb-higher mark: "I thought he was probably a little bit unlucky, he ran really well and got beat on the line.
"He must have an outstanding chance tomorrow, he's versatile regarding the ground and the trip is not an issue."
Duke also saddles Teodolite for the same connections in the Phelim Byrne's Seasuir At Wexford Racecourse Handicap.
Duke said of the Dundalk regular: "I think she'll be happier back on the grass, she's in good form and looks very well.
"She has a chance in a very competitive handicap."
He added: "We have some nice horses to run this year, with some nice two-year-olds waiting in the wings."
