War and Beef clash again

War Of Attrition and Beef Or Salmon will lock horns once again in the Grade One Lexus Chase at Leopardstown tomorrow.

Mouse Morris’ Cheltenham Gold Cup victor and Michael Hourigan’s nine-time Grade One winner enjoyed a famous tussle in the James Nicholson Wine Merchant Chase at Down Royal earlier this season, with Beef Or Salmon just getting the upper hand on the run-in.

Since that race in early November, Beef Or Salmon was not disgraced behind Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock and then returned to winning ways over hurdles at Fairyhouse.

War Of Attrition contested the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown over two and a half miles but he found In Compliance too speedy on that occasion.

The Listener, who is trained by Robert Alner, represents British interests after finishing second to Star De Mohaison at Sandown on his reappearance.

Francois Doumen’s L’Ami, placed in the Hennessy, King George and Gold Cup last season, will bid for his first victory since January 2005.

Back In Front, a high-class hurdler in his day for Edward O’Grady, bids to continue his progression over fences while Ted Walsh’s Southern Vic, second to Celestial Wave over hurdles on his last start, completes the six-runner field.