Fitzhenry looks to have plenty going for him and the one to be on in the Boylesports Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Punchestown (4.20).
This seven-year-old is surprisingly the sole runner for leading owner J P McManus and has won two of his 10 starts over fences.
The last of those came over 2m 3f at Naas 12 months ago where he scored by a neck off a mark of 123. Fitzhenry now has to race off a career-high rating of 135 but comes into the race on the back of two solid efforts which suggest it should not be beyond him.
After keeping on well form off the pace to finish a 9 1/4 length third of 10 in the Porterstown Handicap Chase over 3m 5f at Fairyhouse, he again did all his best work at the finish when a nine length third of 27 to Auvergant in the Paddy Power Chase over 3m at Leopardstown.
Judged on those runs 3m 4f trip of this looks ideal and Fitzhenry is versatile as regards ground and has the services the in-form Mark Walsh in the saddle.
Fitzhenry also remains relatively unexposed as a stayer and his handler Paul Nolan can do little wring at present and is operating at a strike rate of 37.5 per cent in the last 14 days at the time of writing.
Daily sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Fitzhenry (11/2 William Hill – BOG)