KAUTO STAR, currently around 4-1 to regain his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown, can take his first step towards that goal by landing the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal this afternoon.

Always is unlikely to take up either of his engagements at Down Royal on Saturday because of the prospect of testing ground.

MOUSE MORRIS is favouring a tilt at the James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase at Down Royal on Saturday with his rising star War Of Attrition.

HARBOUR PILOT pleased trainer Noel Meade on the gallops yesterday morning and looks likely to line up for the James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase on Saturday.

Today’s meeting at Down Royal, which features the James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase, will go ahead as planned.