GORD HAS A TRICK UP HIS SLEEVE
SUCCESSFUL on his recent chase debut at Down Royal, Magic Tricks might prove too strong for Dreal Deal in today’s Poolcourt Novice Chase in Wexford.
Trained by Gordon Elliott, the eight-year-old developed into an above average hurdler, winning a competitive handicap off 138 at Down Royal in November and, more recently, contesting Cheltenham’s Martin Pipe off a British mark of 145.
Twice a winner over the small obstacles, Magic Tricks made a pleasing start to his chasing career less than two weeks ago, jumping solidly and warming to his task to come through to outpoint Jimmy Pecos As and Clifftop.
Jody Mcgarvey nursed the Cullentra gelding through that two-and-a-half mile contest. With the northern experience under his belt, he should be sharper today when he’ll be racing over the minimum trip, two miles, over which he has registered his two wins.
The other two chasewinners in the field are John Mcconnell’s Dreal Deal, also successful at Down Royal before finishing sixth in a competitive Punchestown handicap, but inferior to the selection on hurdle ratings, and the Charles Byrnes-trained Summer Tide, well beaten at Tipperary last time.
Trained by Ciaran Murphy, Chosen Shant might earn the reward for his consistency by taking the first division of the Ambrex Switchgear Handicap Hurdle.
A 12-race maiden, the Shantou mare has finished in the frame in six of her last seven starts.
Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore might strike with 106-rated Time For Tea in the Wexford Racecourse Mares Maiden Hurdle.