Attrition In Line For Gowran Test

War Of Attrition could make his reappearance in Saturday´s Grade Two National Lottery Agent Champion Chase at Gowran Park.

Mouse Morris´ six-year-old has been off the track since winning the Grade One Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase at the Punchestown Festival in April.

The County Tipperary handler would like to see some rain before the weekend if the Presenting gelding is to take his place in the two-and-a-half-mile event.

'It just depends on the ground really,' said Morris. 'I would like to see an inch or two of rain and I wouldn´t want to risk him on unsuitable ground.

'It´s a nice little race though and some good horses have come out of it.'

War Of Attrition made a winning start to his chasing career at Thurles last November but he chipped a bone in his leg during that victory and was subsequently sidelined for three months.

He returned with a win at Naas in February before disappointing at Cheltenham when seventh in the Arkle.

He was beaten 14 lengths by Contraband on that occasion, before finishing runner-up to Ashley Brook at Aintree in April.

Morris felt the interrupted preparations may have been to blame for War Of Attrition´s disappointing show at Cheltenham and hopes he will stay sound this time around.

'The horse is fine. I just hope he gets a clear run at things this season as we had our problems which played a part at Cheltenham. You can´t go there without experience,' he explained.

Morris does not have a long-term campaign mapped out for War Of Attrition and should quick ground force him to bypass Saturday´s race, he already has an alternative in mind.

'If he should miss that there´s another race at Down Royal in November which would be a possible,' he added.

War Of Attrition is one of 11 entries for Gowran´s feature event with his possible rivals headed by Beef Or Salmon.

Michael Hourigan´s charge beat triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate in the Lexus Chase but failed to show his best form at the Festival.

Hourigan has a second string to his bow in Hi Cloy, while Noel Meade could be triple-handed with Always, Sir Oj and Watson Lake.

John James McManus Memorial Hurdle runner-up Ansar, Banasan, Central House, veteran performer Native Upmanship and Strong Project complete the possible line-up.

? PA Sport