Wide-open Thyestes Chase as crowds set for Gowran Park

Pat Fahy believes the ground is key to the chances of Mister Fogpatches in the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran on Thursday.

Third in the Scottish Grand National before winning at Punchestown last spring, so far this term the grey has been placed in the Troytown at Navan, the Cork National and most recently at Cheltenham.

With just 10st on his back, less jockey Richie Deegan's 3lb claim, Mister Fogpatches has plenty going for him in Thursday's €100,000 feature and Fahy is hoping conditions continue to dry out.

He said: "The weather is very much in his favour, so I'm hoping we'll get the ground.

"Richie knows him, has lots of experience and is taking the 3lb off. He did nothing wrong on him in the Troytown, so hopefully everything will go well.

"The horse has loads of experience now and he has a lovely weight on his back.

"It's a lovely, galloping track and it's a nice opportunity for him - as long as he gets the ground."

Based locally at Leighlinbridge, Fahy would love to add his name to the roll of honour in the Gowran Park showpiece - but is keeping his feet on the ground.

"It would be great, I suppose. To win it, I think we'd realise the importance of it afterwards," the trainer added.

"At the moment we'll keep things on an even keel and get there and see how we get on.

"He's got a great advantage with that weight and we'll pray for the ground - that's really what it's all about as far as I'm concerned."

Gordon Elliott's Escaria Ten is a contender who would appreciate rain as he makes his seasonal debut in the contest under Adrian Heskin.

The eight-year-old was last seen pulling up in the Irish National in April, the final run of a campaign that peaked with a third place in the Grade Two National Hunt Novices' Chase at the