Fozzy Stack is more hopeful than confident that Onenightidreamed can provide him with a perfect start to his training career with victory in the Tote Irish Lincolnshire at Naas on Sunday.
Stack has this year taken over the licence from his father, Tommy, who is a multiple Classic-winning trainer and whose career in the saddle included partnering Red Rum to Grand National glory in 1977.
James Stack, better known as Fozzy, has been assistant since 1999, but is now in charge at Thomastown Castle in County Tipperary.
Onenightidreamed won the traditional season-opening Irish Lincolnshire at the Curragh two years ago, but having since struck twice at Group Three level, he is now 18lb higher in the weights.
Stack said: "Onenightidreamed seems well and we'll go again.
"He's in there with top weight and it's not an easy race to win with top weight, but he'll love the ground and that won't be an issue.
"It would be a grand start to the season, but I think we'll travel more in hope than expectation."
The Harry Rogers-trained Gentil J rounded off last season with successive victories and is reported to be in rude health ahead of her reappearance.
"She's in good form and we're hoping she'll run a good race," said Rogers.
"Wayne (Lordan) knows her well, so it's nice to have him on board.
"She's got a nice weight and she'll love the ground, so fingers crossed she'll go well.
"The only thing with it being Naas rather than the Curragh is you have to go round a bend, so you need a lot more luck."
Last year's runner-up Aussie Valentine is a leading contender for Paul Deegan, having blown away the cobwebs with a run on the all-weather at Dundalk a month ago.
Deegan said: "He ran very well at Dundalk. He hit the line well and hopefully he'll come on for it.
"He was second last year to Sruthan and I think he must have a good chance again.
"He's fit and well and I'm hoping the ground will suit him."
The Patrick Prendergast-trained Canary Row had a rating pushing 100 a few years ago and looks dangerously well treated on a current perch of 87.
Prendergast said: "He's very laid back at home, but he seems healthy and well.
"He's been knocking on the door in the Lincolnshire in the past, he goes well on soft ground and he runs well at Naas.
"He won first time out last season as well, so while you couldn't be confident, we're full of hope."
Other contenders for the home team include Michael Grassick's Texas Rock and the Jessica Harrington-trained course and distance winner Marshall Jennings.
The only British-trained runner in an 18-strong field is Richard Fahey's Spring Offensive.
