'I'd be expecting a big run' - Articulum out to defy top weight in Tim Duggan

2.45 Limerick
Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase (Grade B) | 2m3½f | 5yo+ | RTE2/ITV4/RTV

Conditions will be testing after Sunday's fixture at Limerick was cancelled and an ability to thrive in the mud will be a requirement for the Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase, worth €40,000.

Former Arkle third Articulum appears the obvious starting point as topweight, arriving here on the back of a satisfactory comeback when third at Navan three weeks ago.

The Terence O'Brien-trained ten-year-old does not have many miles on the clock and was sent off the 5-1 favourite for this race 12 months ago but fell at the eighth fence. He could simply prove too classy for these rivals if bringing his very best.

Westerner Point: bids for a third win in the Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap ChaseCredit: Alain Barr

Plans for Kerry National runner-up Moyhenna to contest the Welsh National were shelved due to the UK-Ireland travel ban but she now turns her attention to a track she's proven effective at in the past, albeit she may prefer slightly further.

Westerner Point is a regular fixture at Limerick over Christmas and seeks his third win in this race. He is proven in these conditions, while the James Dullea-trained Rocky's Silver looks a live each-way player with the ground and track playing to his strengths.

Monday's tipping and analysis:

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JP McManus has a strong hand, spearheaded by the talented Off You Go, trained by Charles Byrnes, with the Enda Bolger-trained Shady Operator a fascinating runner if getting in as first reserve.

What they say

Terence O'Brien, trainer of Articulum
We had him in training during the summer with a view to possibly running in the Galway Plate but we just weren't entirely happy with him and opted not to run. He got his palate done and still wasn't 100 per cent, but in the last six to eight weeks he's really turned around and I couldn't be happier with him. We were delighted with his run at Navan and I think he's improved from that. I'd be expecting a big run from him.

James Dullea on Rocky's Silver: 'He'll be in his element on the ground, although the trip is possibly a bit short for him'Credit: Alain Barr (racingpost.com/photos)

Eoghan O'Grady, trainer of Westerner Point
He's in good form and will love the ground. He obviously likes Limerick and we'd be hoping he could run into the money all being well.

Charles Byrnes, trainer of Off You Go
Hopefully his jumping might hold up better over this longer trip than the last day - his jumping early on at Fairyhouse wasn't good enough. Ideally, he's better on better ground but he has some form on heavy and it's probably going to be the same for all of them.

John Ryan, trainer of Dromore Lad
He's got his ground and hopefully that will help him over a trip that's a bit short of his best. Philip Donovan takes 7lb off his back, he's ridden some nice winners over fences in Britain and it'd be great if he could have his first winner over jumps in Ireland.

Noel Meade, trainer of Dream Conti
The ground is a bit of a worry but the trip is even more so for him, I think he needs further. He didn't get into the Paddy Power and there wasn't much else for him so we'll let him take his chance.

James Dullea, trainer of Rocky's Silver and Tikkanen Express
Rocky's Silver is in great form and has a nice low weight, we're hoping he can run well. He'll be in his element on the ground, although the trip is possibly a bit short for him. Tikkanen Express might not want the ground as deep as it will be but the trip will be perfect for him. If he could come back to something like his best he'd have a chance.

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