Horse racing: John Ryan's Foildubh ready for Down Royal run

View from connections ahead of Tuesday's Daily Mirror Chase at Down Royal on Tuesday.

John Ryan hopes the slight turnaround at the weights with Roi Du Mee will help stable stalwart Foildubh gain an overdue success in the Daily Mirror Chase at Down Royal on Tuesday.

Now an 11-year-old, Foildubh is on the verge of breaking through the £200,000 prize-money barrier but he has probably not won the races his ability suggests he should have done.

His last victory was over hurdles in November 2013 but he was only narrowly beaten by Roi Du Mee in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse last month and is now 3lb better off with Gordon Elliott's 15-times winner.

"The ground has come in his favour this time," said Ryan.

"What with the extra weight we are getting he must have a good chance.

"There's only three runners but it's a good little race.

"Foildubh is definitely in better shape going into this race, though, so I hope he wins.

"Though he's 11, he didn't run until he was six as he had a hairline fracture in his shin so he's not had that much racing.

"All being well, he could go for the Webster Cup next at Navan or even the Topham at Aintree.

"He could be very interesting in that as he's a good jumper and will love the ground."

Last year's winner Yes Tom, who bounced back to form for Stuart Crawford at Ayr last time out, completes the field.

"I'm hoping for a good run as he went well in it last year," said Crawford.

"The better ground will suit him but they've all got a similar chance, I think.

"If he runs well we'll be looking at either the Scottish or Irish National.

"He ran in the Scottish National last year and he does go well at Ayr but it looked like he didn't stay.

"However, I don't think he was quite right when he came home so that might have been why it looked like he didn't get home."