Safe return the only aim for Gold Cup winners

Though only four horses contest the big race at Punchestown today, two of them happen to be Cheltenham Gold Cup winners. Both War Of Attrition (2006) and Kicking King (2005) have shared many travails since their moment of glory, however, so much so that Mouse Morris yesterday confined his comeback ambitions for War Of Attrition to finishing "in the first four". "He's been off for a long time and the main thing is he comes back in one piece," the trainer said, adding that the heavy ground will not be ideal either.

Kicking King returned from a long absence of his own last season but did not retrieve his best form and was an early faller on his recent reappearance. Tom Taaffe was also conservative in his aspirations. "I just want him to get himself back on track, to run a proper race," he said. "If that means winning, great, and if it doesn't, it doesn't."

An excellent card for the time of year also features the chasing debut of Trafford Lad, one of the top novice hurdlers last season.

HYPERION'S SELECTIONS

Brighton: 2.30 Roman Glory 3.00 Carpe Diem 3.30 Oronsay 4.00 Crusoe's Return 4.30 Ten To The Dozen 5.00 Make My Dream

Ludlow: 2.20 Marsh Court 2.50 Goldan Jess 3.20 Bermuda Pointe 3.50 Will The Till 4.20 Joshua 4.50 Young Tot 5.20 Kielder Rise