This two and a half mile contest has attracted an interesting field, headed by the JP McManus-owned trio Good Step, Ground Ball and Kadoun. The latter handles testing ground and can be expected to show improvement from his seasonal reappearance on the level in last month's Leopardstown November Handicap. Preference, however, is for Jessica Harrington's Pierce Hurdle scorer Studmaster.

The opening Visit Panoramic Restaurant Beginners Chase promises to be an equally intriguing contest with the likes of Heads Onthe Ground, Back To Bid and Ballytrim in the line-up. Back To Bid, from the Noel Meade stable, was a useful novice hurdler last season but has yet to match that level of form over the larger obstacles and disappointed at Fairyhouse last Saturday.

Point-to-point winner Ballytrim, meanwhile, finished in mid-division in Grade 1 bumpers at Cheltenham and Punchestown but his three runs over fences this term have been disappointing.

Heads On the Ground recorded his last win on the racecourse in a maiden hurdle at Navan almost four years ago, but is reunited here with Nina Carberry who gets on so well with him.

Cork raider Macs-Bet has been knocking at the door in recent months and may be good enough for the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle. Kattie Leader showed plenty of promise in bumpers last season and ran an encouraging race on her seasonal bow when fourth to Bronx Girl at Navan last Saturday. She holds most appeal in the INH Festival Tickets (Mares) INH Flat Race, with Sutherland Girl rated the danger.

Today's racing at Tramore is cancelled due to waterlogging. An inspection will be held at 2pm to determine prospects for tomorrow's meeting.