The Tony Martin-trained Cassells Rock© Photo Healy Racing
Tony Martin is double-handed in the Racecourse Of The Year Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown tomorrow with Pires and Cassells Rock.
Pires has proved a great servant for connections with nine career wins under various codes, and he reverts to the smaller obstacles after four outings over fences.
His last victory came in a hurdles contest at Down Royal in August.
Cassells Rock came close to picking up a big prize in a premier handicap on the Flat at Leopardstown in September and was last seen over jumps when fourth at Cheltenham in November.
"Pires has run well around Leopardstown and has been a grand horse, while we wanted to get Cassells Rock started back. He has a number of entries at Cheltenham but is unlikely to get in, and he'll probably go on to Fairyhouse at Easter," said Martin.
Blue Hell carries Barry Connell's colours and should be spot-on following a very promising reappearance over course and distance earlier this month.
Tony Mullins' charge only weakened on the run-in and is entitled to progress from that outing, his first in nine months.
The Mercury Engineering Handicap Chase is the most valuable event on the seven-race card, with the 10 runners chasing 50,000 euros in prize-money.
Marito heads the weights in this two-mile-five-furlong event, while Fever Pitch and She's Got Grit could be two to keep an eye on further down the list.
