THIS weekend, directly before Cheltenham, presents a fine opportunity for smaller yards, not least in the feature Grade B Holden Plant Rentals Shamrock Handicap Chase at Gowran today.

The €45,000 contest is without a runner from the top seven trainers in the country so here lies a fine opportunity for a big pot.

David O’Brien, based locally in Piltown, is one of 11 different trainers eyeing up the prize, and has high hopes for his mare Minx Tiara, who ran fine race to finish third to Magic Daze in a listed contest at Naas last time.

“I’d say that was a career best from her,” O’Brien told The Irish Field. “We’d be hopeful now going back into a handicap. She is in really good form.

“We got plenty of rain down here so I’d imagine the ground will ride on the soft side but she is versatile with regards to that. If she can put up the same sort of performance she produced at Naas, she’d have a right good chance.”

Union Park, a winner of two of his last three races, and particularly impressive at Thurles last month, represents Philip Rothwell.

“I thought this was going to come too soon for him but it’s a great pot and with the bigger yards staying away, it’s certainly worth a go,” said the Wicklow trainer.

“Two miles on soft ground is absolutely fine for him and he’s in good form still, so we’re very much looking forward to it.”

Liz Doyle won this last season with Bois De Clamart and will hope to score again with the often well touted Cayd Boy.

“We’re going to pop cheekpieces on him and see if we can get him to finish out his race better,” Doyle said. “He seems to be in good form, he won’t mind the bit of soft ground and this is probably a step down in class for him so we’re hopeful we can get his head in front.”