Key questions as Samcro looks to land another Grade 1 in Drinmore Novice Chase

1.30 Fairyhouse
Baroneracing.com Drinmore Novice Chase (Grade 1) | 4yo+ | 2m4f | RTE2/RTV

Can Samcro build on impressive return?

Samcro, the 2018 Ballymore Novices' Hurdle winner who won by an impressive 17 lengths on his chase debut at Down Royal last month, faces a big test in this Grade 1 event as he tackles some talented rivals in a race his trainer Gordon Elliott has won on five occasions.

After an unsuccessful second campaign over hurdles last season when he repeatedly scoped dirty, Samcro's Down Royal performance got him back on track and augured well for the future.

Elliott said: "Samcro has been working very well and scoping clean since his Down Royal win. He lacks a bit of experience but we're very happy with him and hoping for a big run.

Elliott is also represented by Tintangle, winner of both her starts over fences. He added: "She's well but you'd have to say she has it all to do in this league."

Will Burrows Saint make his experience tell?

On his last day as a novice, Burrows Saint returns to the scene of his Irish Grand National win on his first start since since finishing fifth in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris in May.

The six-year-old's trainer Willie Mullins is hoping that Burrows Saint's experience will be an asset over a trip short of his optimum.

Burrows Saint: returns to the scene of his biggest triumphCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"His rating gives him a good chance and he seems in good form. Hopefully being back at Fairyhouse, where he won us a first Irish National last season, and his experience will help him in what looks a hot renewal," Mullins said.

Ireland's champion trainer is also represented by Chef Des Obeaux, who won over 3m2f for Nicky Henderson at Chepstow last season.

Can Fakir D'Oudairies beat his elders?

No four-year-old has ever won this race, which was first run in 1994, but Joseph O'Brien is hoping Fakir D'Oudairies can build on his win at Navan three weeks ago and become the first of his age group to land the prize.

Fakir D'Oudairies: looking to defy a trendCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

A smart juvenile hurdler last season, Fakir D'Oudairies delivered a slick round of jumping when making most at Navan and O'Brien reports the JP McManus-owned youngster in "good shape" for this test.

"We're very happy with him and I think the step up in trip should suit. It's a very hot race but he's a mature four-year-old and we're looking forward to the race," O'Brien said.

Does Ronald Pump have what it takes to win a Grade 1?

Man-of-the-moment Robbie Power partners the prolific Ronald Pump, whose trainer Matthew Smith will be bidding for a first Grade 1 success.

A four-time winner over hurdles, Ronald Pump, who cost Smith just €1,000 three years ago, scored by eight lengths on his chase debut at this course last month.

Ronald Pump: bids to continue his prolific waysCredit: Patrick McCann

Smith said: "We weren't surprised that he won the way he did as he's always schooled well. It's a hot race and we might find that he's out of his depth, but he's in good form and we're giving it a go.

"He used to have a tendency to boil over before his races but he's a much more manageable horse these days."

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