RACING/Weekend Previews: It's  over 16 years since Francois Doumen saddled his only previous runner in Ireland, and the top French trainer will be hoping First Gold can go one better in tomorrow's John Durkan Chase.

The Punchestown highlight has cut up badly to just five runners, making it an easier task than Double Bed faced when runner-up for Doumen in the 1986 Phoenix Champion Stakes.

This time it is an all-Doumen affair with the trainer's son, Thierry, taking the ride on First Gold, who will carry JP McManus' colours for the first time since running in the King George 12 months ago.

Ranged against the French star are four local horses, a two-and-a-half mile trip and testing conditions officially described as "soft to heavy". They look to be less than ideal circumstances for Doumen Snr.

"I'm concerned about the horse having too hard a task after such a long lay-off so the less heavy the better. He is ready to run and is in good shape for the race. Two and a half is his minimum, but it is far enough for his first start back on heavy ground," he said.

First Gold has won on heavy going at Auteuil, but he is up against a proven two-and-a-half mile expert in Native Upmanship who won the Durkan two years ago.

Arthur Moore also runs the Nicholson Chase winner More Than A Stroll, but agreed yesterday that the Durkan trip is ideal for Native Upmanship. The Magnier-owned horse has never won beyond two miles and five, and seven of his 11 career wins have been at the trip.

Explaining the horse's shock defeat at Naas on seasonal debut, Moore said: "It was a two-horse race that turned into a sprint and they often give funny results. He was also a bit rusty and the winner (Copernicus) was in very good form. I would prefer the ground to be not quite as soft as it is."

The field is made up of the Fortria winner Alcapone, who disappointed last time out, and the Pilar Chase winner Rince Ri, who has just 2lbs to find with Native Upmanship on official ratings.

The top bumper horse Supreme Developer makes his jumping debut in the maiden hurdle and it will be a disappointment if the Mullins runner doesn't oblige.

Plenty Of Ice takes on the Bowe runner Solerina in the novice hurdle, while there is sure to be plenty of interest in Rare Ouzel in the handicap hurdle. Gambled on at Cheltenham, the horse attracted the interest of the stewards who referred the matter on to Portman Square.