REST OF CARD PREVIEW:FOR A RACE with a reputation as a "punters graveyard", the JCB Triumph Hurdle has been quite a friendly beast in the last couple of years after Katchit's victory last year and another market leader, Detroit City, landing the spoils in 2006. That could be a pattern that is continued today by JP McManus's juvenile hotpot, Franchoek

Against the recent trend is a history of there being three 66 to 1 winners in Triumph history but the introduction of Tuesday's Fred Winter Hurdle appears to have taken much of the chaff that might have interfered with fancied runners away.

With that in mind opposing the red-hot favourite in a field of just 15 might end up being an expensive exercise.

Franchoek has a noticeably similar profile to his stable companion Katchit and his experience during a tough season could well end up being a distinct advantage in the conditions.

Beau Michael, a first festival runner for the Co Dublin trainer Ado McGuinness, heads an Irish challenge that could ultimately end up depending on the horse that finished behind him on his last start, Silverhand.

Noel Meade has made no secret of his regard for Silverhand who showed a good attitude to overcome trouble in running on his jumping debut.

He should improve significantly for that run at Fairyhouse behind Beau Michael and may give Franchoek most to do.

Irish-trained horses have won the Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle, rescheduled from Wednesday, a total of 13 times and Forpadydeplasterer will head a strong looking team going into today. Ground conditions look to have turned up ideally for the Tom Cooper-trained star and also for the other highly-rated Irish pair of Trafford Lad and Venalmar.

Worryingly for the home team, the going might not be best suited to either Group Captain but in a tough looking race, maybe Fiveforthree can overcome his inexperience to go well at a decent price.

This afternoon's other Grade One novice hurdle is the Albert Bartlett which in its three-year history to date has thrown up a number of "banker" winners in Black Jack Ketchum and Wichita Lineman.

A 19-runner field this time looks much too competitive for a repeat but there appears to be a real strength in depth among the home team, headed by Gone To Lunch and Carruthers who would be a popular winner for the former jockey and commentator, Lord Oaksey.

A total of six Irish horses take their chance anyway, including the pair of Gem Daly and Parsons Pistol from Noel Meade's yard.

Runner-up to Trafford Lad in a Grade One before Christmas, Gem Daly looks particularly interesting at a big price considering his last run can be ignored. That came in the middle of a 50-day dry spell for his trainer who has always had a high regard for the seven-year-old.

Testing conditions don't worry Gem Daly and he has been crying out for this stiff three-mile trip.

He has also shown an adaptability ground-wise and the Meade runner could emerge as the each-way value of a tough race.

There will also be significant Irish interest in the Christies Foxhunters which has proved a fruitful heat in the past.

This time the best of the raiding party looks like being Alert The Earth, trained near Larne, Co Antrim, by Roy Wilson and a hugely impressive winner on his last start at Downpatrick.

Alert The Earth has a big reputation from the point-to-point field and should be a major contender at a decent price against a strong defence that includes the former winner Drombeag.

Last year's winner Andreas is back for another crack at the Grand Annual but the topweight will do well to cope with the unexposed Englightenment who looks to have sneaked under the handicap radar.

Psycho will be a popular Irish fancy in the traditional "get-out" stakes, the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle, and Tony Martin's horse has looked progressive enough this season to make opposing him just because of his price a potentially dangerous tactic.

BRIAN O'CONNOR'S TIPS

12.30: Chomba Womba

1.05: Fiveforthree

1.40: Take Your Mark

2.15: Franchoek

2.50: Gem Daly

3.30: Kauto Star

4.05: Alert The Earth (nap)

4.40: Enlightenment (dbl)

5.20: Psycho