Enda Bolger banking on in-form Ballyoisin to fire in the Fortria

TheTote.com Fortria Chase| Grade 2 | 2m | ATR

This race has been the target for Ballyoisin for some time. Enda Bolger’s stable star has enjoyed a fine campaign, comfortably landing a pair of chases at Killarney and Punchestown before exploiting his hurdles rating in a valuable contest at Listowel in September and hopes are high the seven-year-old can continue his progression.

Yet to be seen since landing that nice pot under young Darragh O'Keeffe, Ballyoisin will be partnered by Barry Geraghty as he bids to complete win number four on the bounce and, in doing so, etch his name alongside recent Fortria winners including Flemenstar and Big Zeb.

Bolger said: "He’s a better horse on a sounder surface but he wouldn’t want any firm in the description. They’re giving it as good and that should be fine. He’s had a fantastic year and is in great form.

"This has been the plan for a while and we’re very happy with him."

Ballyoisin [157] is rated just 1lb superior to Doctor Phoenix and meets that rival, who enjoyed a terrific campaign for Gordon Elliott last term, off level weights.

Doctor Phoenix: represents Gordon ElliottCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Elliott’s great rival Willie Mullins throws just one dart at the race in Listen Dear, the Supreme Racing-owned mare dropping back to two miles having been narrowly reeled in over two and a half miles on her latest start at Listowel.

Mullins said: "Listen Dear is coming back to her right trip and that will suit her well, but this is a tough race."

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Ordinary World, partnered by Bryan Cooper, will not be without his supporters, while the Jessica Harrington-trained Rock The World – like Ballyoisin owned by JP McManus – is the outsider of the quintet.

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com