Beef aims for third Lexus triumph

Moscow beaten in bizarre race

Beef Or Salmon faces just four rivals as he attempts to win the Lexus Chase for the third time in four years at Leopardstown on Wednesday.

Michael Hourigan's stable star won the race in 2002 and again last year.

The nine-year-old split Kingscliff and Kicking King in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on his latest start last month.

Last year's Grand National winner Hedgehunter is also in the field along with War of Attrition, Jack High and Forget the Past.

Hedgehunter will be having his first outing over fences since winning at Aintree in April.

Trainer Willie Mullins gave the nine-year-old a warm-up run over hurdles at Fairyhouse over three weeks ago and although he is happy with the gelding, he is not sure if he is at his peak yet.

It's a tricky race with just the five runners Beef or Salmon's trainer Michael Hourigan

"He's in nice form now. Whether he's straight enough to do himself justice I don't know," said the County Carlow trainer.

Beef or Salmon is said to have prepared well for Wednesday's race and trainer Hourigan appears confident.

"We're hoping for a third win. It's a tricky race with just the five runners," added the County Limerick trainer.

War Of Attrition will be out to redeem his reputation after finishing a disappointing fifth to Hi Cloy at Punchestown earlier this month.

The Mouse Morris-trained gelding had won his two previous starts in good style - including the win over dual King George VI Chase victor Kicking King at Punchestown.

Also on Wednesday, Solerina will aim for the 19th win of her career over obstacles but her first over three miles when she contests the Woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle.

Emotional Moment, Rosaker, Willie Mullins' Holy Orders and Strangely Brown, trained by Eric McNamara, complete the five-strong field.