O'Brien On Weekend Chances

Michael O'Brien is confident Forget The Past can bounce back to form in the At The Races Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

The 11-year-old, who was third in the 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup, was well beaten on his latest outing at Tramore on what was his first racecourse appearance in 10 months.

O'Brien admits he may not be the force of old but believes the veteran is still capable of a bold showing at the weekend if he puts his best foot forward.

"He didn't run too badly at Tramore but he didn't really seem to handle the track that well and I would hope Fairyhouse will suit him better.

"He might not be as good as he was a few years ago but he seems in fine form at home and hopefully he will give a good account of himself."

Just five runners will face the starter in the Grade Two contest with Snowy Morning and Black Apalachi both looking to line themselves up for a tilt at the Grand National at Aintree.

Charlie Swan's One Cool Cookie is conceding weight all round while Southern Vic completes the line-up.

Meanwhile O'Brien admits the likely testing conditions will not play to the strengths of French Riviera in the Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

The former Sir Michael Stoute inmate had finished fourth in a race won by Triumph Hurdle fancy Ebadiyan on his hurdling debut at Naas last month, a performance which pleased the County Kildare handler.

However, conditions are currently described as heavy at Fairyhouse and O'Brien is keeping his fingers crossed the ground dries out overnight.

"The ground looks like it is going to be a real problem for us on Saturday as it's going to be very testing unless it dries out a fair bit," said O'Brien.

"We were happy with his first run at Naas but he didn't really handle the ground that day either and it will be even worse tomorrow.

"We just want some decent ground for him really but we can't seem to find it and we have to run him so we will see what happens."

French Riviera faces six rivals in the Grade Two contest with Coffee Tea Or Me set to make his hurdling debut for Willie Mullins.

Robbie Hennessy's Donegal will bid to get off the mark obstacles, while the field is completed by Apt Son, Chevalier Country, Kyrie Eleison and No One Tells Me.