Successor (2nd from right)© Photo Healy Racing
Wexford plays host to the last pre-Galway Festival jumping action in Ireland this evening, and in-form claimer Darragh O’Keeffe can strike on Successor in the featured Opel 192 Handicap Chase.
Joseph O’Brien’s Galileo gelding should have come on a fair bit from his run at Limerick a fortnight ago, which was his first since a keeping-on fourth to Barna Venture on handicap debut at Punchestown’s New Year’s Eve fixture.
He should enjoy going back up to two and a half miles, and won his maiden hurdle around here a couple of years ago.
With Galway around the corner, it’s extraordinary to recall that JP McManus’ other runner in this contest, Shanpallas went off 6-1 second favourite when beaten less than 10 lengths by Shanahan’s Turn in the 2015 renewal of the Plate. He’s only registered one win since then, though, and his best days seem to be behind him.
It took the best part of three years for Perfect Leader to get his head in front, but he’s certainly acquired the winning habit in 2019 having scored in three of his last six starts.
He can land a third course victory in the Flood Ironworks Ltd. Handicap Chase under Danny Mullins for his mother Mags.
The same trainer/rider combination have good prospects in the opening Liam Leacy Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Maiden Hurdle with the Bellewstown runner-up Cotton End while Ourauldman can continue his progression by taking the Monart Destination Spa Handicap Hurdle for Henry De Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore. Lady Of The Sea can repeat last year’s win in the Flood Ironworks Ltd. Handicap Hurdle for local trainer Paul Nolan, while the ex-Alan King inmate Stylish Moment can collect the beginners’ chase on his second start for Eoin Doyle. Blue Heather was only denied late on at Roscommon and she can go one place better in the concluding mares’ bumper for Gavin Cromwell and Mark O’Hare.
