RACING: Exactly a year ago Limestone Lad won as a 2 to 11 favourite at Navan but there is no such confidence behind the country's favourite hurdler this weekend.

Just four oppose the James Bowe-trained star in tomorrow's Giltspur Scientific Hurdle but Limestone Lad's connections believe he is vulnerable.

Twice already this season at Navan, Limestone Lad has beaten Liss A Paoraigh but Michael Bowe, son of the permit holder, is quick to point to the 15lb his horse has to concede this time.

"Liss A Paoraigh was getting just 5lb in the Lismullen and we were all out to beat her. I find it hard to believe there is a horse in the country that could give 15lb to Liss A Paoraigh over two and a half miles and win," Bowe said.

Limestone Lad's fans will point to the resolution that their hero has consistently shown during his 33-win career but on testing ground, 15lb might be a lot for him on the back of the Hatton's Grace.

"I gave him a few days holiday after the Hatton's Grace and I got a fright with how much condition he put on. If he is beaten on Sunday it will be my fault," Bowe added.

Weight may also play a vital role in the Barry & Sandra Kelly Novice Hurdle where the SunAlliance favourite Pizarro has a second start over flights.

The unbeaten Cheltenham winner again faces Solerina on the same terms he beat her at last month but has to give 11lb to the Naas winner Kicking King.

Bannow Bay returns under 12-2 in the three-mile handicap which is a lot of weight against The Bunny Boiler, who could take this en route to the Welsh National despite being 5lb out of the handicap.

At Cork tomorrow the star young jumper Beef Or Salmon has his second start over fences in the Grade Three Hilly Way Chase.

The two-mile trip could be an issue for him against the likes of the Grand Annual winner Fadoudal Du Cochet and Copernicus but Beef Or Salmon's potential looked limitless in the Morris Oil.