AS a rule Irish horses have a poor record in Newbury's Hennessy Gold Cup but this afternoon Foxchapel King (2.20) holds an outstanding opportunity to set the record straight.

Tipperary-based trainer Mouse Morris has already launched one successful smash and grab raid with Foxchapel King when the fast-improving seven-year-old cruised to victory in Cheltenham's £32,500 Intervet Trophy a fortnight ago.

One of his victims that day was the confirmed front-runner Beau, who finished 15 lengths back in third spot.

Although this year's Whitbread Gold Cup hero now re-opposes on 4lbs better terms, a reversal of fortunes seems unlikely, especially as Foxchapel King will no doubt sit on Beau's tail just waiting to pounce over the final couple of fences.

Of the two northern hopes, Red Marauder and Kingsmark, the latter holds the most obvious claims, having won Haydock's Edward Hanmer Chase in effortless fashion.

Kingsmark's handler Martin Todhunter learnt his trade under the legendary Gordon Richards, responsible for sending out One Man to win the valuable event in 1994.

Todhunter, who now trains in his own right at Orton, near Penrith, said of his charge: "He's really well and is in the form of his life."

In the earlier EDS Long Distance Hurdle, Deano's Beeno (1.15) attempts to repeat his 1999 success.

Martin Pipe's staying hurdler normally peaks at this stage of season and even taking into account the strength in depth of the field is very hard to oppose on one of his favourite tracks.

Former Cheltenham Festival winner Barton (2.55) makes a welcome return in Newcastle's £37,000 Pertemps Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

Tim Easterby has had to find a replacement jockey for his stable-star due to the retirement of Lorcan Wyer, and the lucky recipient of the ride is not surprisingly Tony Dobbin, a regular aboard owner Stan Clarke's string.

"I had a sit on him earlier this week and he felt in good order," said Dobbin. The only real worry for Barton is the two-mile trip, which might be on the short side for the smart gelding nowadays.

In the following Douglas Smith Memorial Handicap, Tony has an excellent chance of completing a double courtesy of Swanbister (2.25).

It's a pretty awesome task to expect Swanbister to carry top-weight to victory over the stamina-sapping three-miles-and-six-furlongs, however Len Lungo's yard is in such unstoppable form it appears he could win with the stable cat at present!

The £18,000 Tim Molony Memorial Chase at Haydock brings together a clutch of really classy young staying chasers.

Midland's Grand National winner Ackzo is a must for the short-list, although even he might have to play second fiddle to one of the most progressive individuals currently in training, Hugo de Grez (3.10).

The selection stands on the brink of fabulous five-timer and was particularly impressive when routing a field of seasoned handicappers last time setting up the chance of a crack at this decent purse.

Quatredil (4.00) looks on the right sort of mark to get sand fans off to a profitable start on Wolverhampton's marathon ten-race card.

Richard Hannon's filly makes a rapid comeback after thankfully emerging unscathed having stumbled and unshipped her pilot leaving the stalls at Lingfield on Wednesday.

She's a late maturing type ideally suited to a winter campaign on the all-weather. Add to that a more-than-generous handicap rating and her prospects are significantly bolstered for the Littlewoods Nursery.

Sad to see Mark Johnston's 1998 Cesarewitch winner Spirit Of Love (7.30) reduced to performing in lowly Q Claiming Stakes. Nevertheless on all known evidence he should be far superior to his rivals, despite having to concede weight all round.

On the other side of the world Johnston goes for gold with Fruits Of Love in tomorrow's Japan Cup.

It's the second time the five-year-old has lined up for the showpiece, worth a staggering £3,100,000 in total. On offer with William Hill at 20-1, Fruits Of Love been a regular money-spinner abroad so might be worth a small each-way bet at such enticing odds