Falcon bids for Gold at Killarney

The Laurels Pub & Restaurant Kingdom Gold Cup Handicap has attracted a field worthy of its feature race status at Killarney on Thursday.

Not surprisingly given the mile-and-three-quarter distance of the E50,000 event, National Hunt trainers are well represented in the 13-horse field.

Noel Meade has a fascinating contender in Snow Falcon and the fact he has booked Colin Keane for the spin adds to the Presenting gelding's appeal.

A high-class staying hurdler, Snow Falcon has not run since the Punchestown Festival in April but that should not prove to be an impediment.

Twice Grade One-placed over timber, including behind Yanworth at Aintree this spring, Snow Falcon has previously triumphed returning from absences of 165 days and 197 days.

He has shown his prowess on the level as well, winning the Slan Abhaile at Listowel in September. There was also a lot of merit in his fifth placing in the November Handicap at Leopardstown.

Willie Mullins will saddle three - Laws Of Spin (Declan McDonogh), Digeanta (Danny Sheehy) and She's So Flawless (Chris Hayes).

Among the others worthy of consideration are Aydoun Clongowes and Sea The Lion

In the closing couple of races, both chases, punters would do well to keep JP McManus-owned youngsters in mind. His retained rider Barry Geraghty partners Willam Du Berlais in the 7.30 and Oathkeeper in the 8.00.