Killarney Racecourse© Photo Healy Racing
Moonday Sun returns from a 212-day break to contest the feature Redweld Stables Limited Handicap Hurdle at Killarney on Sunday.
The Grade B event has attracted a full field of 18, plus three reserves, and, as ever, the valuable two-mile-one-furlong event promises to be a fiercely-contested affair.
Formerly with Nigel Twiston-Davies, Moonday Sun runs in the colours of his part-owner Lee Power, who is chairman of Waterford FC, who continue to push towards promotion in the Airtricity League division one.
Power and trainer Gordon Elliott combined for a big handicap win when the ill-fated Balbriggan landed a mighty gamble in the 2014 Troytown Chase, and the Jack Kennedy-ridden grey certainly knows where the winning post is, with 2016 proving to be particularly fruitful as he accrued two Flat and three hurdle wins.
Another runner more familiar to British racegoers is Owen Na View and Fergal O'Brien sends him across from his Naunton base. The Presenting gelding already has experience of the County Kerry venue having finished second here in a handicap chase in August.
Many would seem capable of making an impression. One on any shortlist, though, will be Light That a horse in form and whose trainer and jockey, Jessica Harrington and Robbie Power, can do no wrong at present.
Half an hour earlier, the Listed Irish Wire Products Mares Hurdle will likely see Willie Mullins dominate. Asthuria is taken to get the job done under Ruby Walsh, but stable companion Good Thyne Tara needs respecting.
Paul Townend's mount takes on Asthuria again, on better terms after their Punchestown Festival meeting.
Harrington and Power will be hoping their useful Flat and hurdles performer Modem can make a winning debut over fences in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at 4.05. He won a handicap on the level here before.
