Compliance all set for Fairyhouse

In Compliance will put his reputation as a credible candidate for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on the line at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

Michael O’Brien’s up-and-coming performer will take on a host of Ireland’s top stayers in the At The Races Bobbyjo Chase, including John Smith’s Grand National winner Numbersixvalverde.

In Compliance has won both of his starts during the winter, first at Down Royal and then when taking the huge scalp of War Of Attrition in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.

However, he has not been seen since that race on December 10, is yet to race over trips further than around two and a half miles and missed a start in the recent Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup when O’Brien reported he was not happy with the horse’s fitness.

“Fairyhouse is the plan,” said Herve Barjot, racing manager to owner Sean Mulryan.

“The race is over three miles and a furlong, and we won it with Forget The Past last year. It will be a good preparation and if he stays, then we know we can go for the Gold Cup.”

As for In Compliance’s well-being, Barjot said: “So far, so good.”

The Martin Brassil-trained Numbersixvalverde will have his first start over fences since his famous victory at Aintree last April, while other interesting possibles at the five-day stage include fellow National hopes Dun Doire, Point Barrow and Garvivonnian, as well as the smart novice Chelsea Harbour.