Attrition going for famous double

Mouse Morris is cautiously optimistic about Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition’s chances of more glory at Punchestown tomorrow.

The seven-year-old will line up against six rivals in the Guinness Gold Cup as he looks to replicate Kicking King’s achievement of winning both races last year.

While Morris expects his gelding to put up a good show in the three-mile-one-furlong contest, the County Tipperary handler hinted that War Of Attrition may have been drained of crucial resources following his two-and-a-half-length success at the Festival.

“We have freshened him up since the Gold Cup and he seems well enough,” Morris said.

“He was trained for Cheltenham, though, and not for Punchestown. You never know until they run what effect a race has on them and we won’t know until tomorrow. You can never tell what it has taken out of them.”

Cheltenham flop Beef Or Salmon makes his first chase start back home and Morris believes the small field will play to the eight-time Grade One-winner’s strengths.

But with the going at Punchestown expected to be good – officials are also considering watering the track after racing on Tuesday – Morris is hopeful conditions will also be in War Of Attrition’s favour.

He added: “There are six other runners so it won’t be easy. The race will suit Beef Or Salmon, Hi Cloy beat one of mine (Fota Island) in the Melling Chase at Aintree and there is Forget The Past too.

“He won’t mind the ground as it is good but there is still some juice in it. He wouldn’t want it firm and I wouldn’t risk him on it so it should be perfect as it is.”