British Pair Among Champion Hopefuls

Taranis and The Listener could run in Saturday's James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase at Down Royal.

Trained by Paul Nicholls and Robert Alner respectively, the two promising chasers are among a list of 15 potential starters at the confirmation stage.

Michael Hourigan's grand veteran Beef Or Salmon landed the 2004 and 2006 renewals of this race on his way to chalking up 10 Grade One successes.

He stands out from the home-based possibles, along with Cailin Alainn, who ran at Galway on Monday, and the Dessie Hughes-trained Strong Flow, winner of the Hennessy for Nicholls in 2003.

Hi Cloy, Justified, Mister Top Notch and Charlie Swan's Offshore Account may also go.

Swan's seven-year-old landed a four-timer at the end of last season but could need the ground to ease ahead of the weekend.

'As long as the ground doesn't come up too quick I think Offshore Account will run. He would really like it more on the soft side,' Swan said.

Mister Top Notch, who finished second at Galway in the race Cailin Alainn contested, is unlikely to make a quick reappearance with conditions as they are.

Trainer David Fitzgerald was pleased with the eight-year-old's runner-up spot behind Larkwing on the Flat but will not turn him out at Down Royal without some rain in the meantime.

'He needs some rain. We'll see how the week goes but I'm happy with the horse this morning,' said the County Limerick-based handler.

'That'll leave him spot-on to go for his next run over fences.

'Down Royal is not out of the question, we'll see how the ground is. We've left him in and it's a possibility but it's not definite.

'He'll either run on Saturday or go for the Troytown Chase at Navan next month. They are giving it good to firm up at Down Royal and I won't risk him on that.'

Completing the possible list of contenders are Alexander Taipan, Baron De Feypo, Forget The Past, Kill Devil Hill, Light On The Broom and the Alison Thorpe-trained Henry's Pride.#

(C) PA Sport