The Game Changer© Photo Healy Racing
The Game Changer will be out to confirm Galway Hurdle form with a few of his rivals in a hot-looking contest for the JP McManus Rated Hurdle at Cork.
Charlie Swan 's charge was a fine third in the valuable handicap at Ballybrit and went on to claim a cosy success at Killarney last week.
Three horses re-oppose from Galway and with the Gigginstown-owned gelding rising 8lb since then, they are entitled to get a bit closer now. Darwins Fox who finished a fair ninth in the Galway Hurdle, had previously run well in Grade Three company at Tipperary and could be the biggest threat. He had Rawnaq six-and-three-quarter lengths back in 11th last time, while Fiery Oscar had just one finisher behind him.
Another interesting contender is the top-weight He'llberemembered as Paul Fahey's charge returns to action.
He ended his campaign with a couple of spins on the level in May, including winning a charity race, having been far from disgraced when eighth in the Topham Chase at Aintree. The versatile gelding is just as capable over timber, but may be best watched with plenty of options ahead of him this term. Flaxen Flare aims to repeat last year's victory in the Online Sales At corkracecourse.ie Hurdle earlier on the card.
He enjoyed a fine campaign last season when second in the valuable Boylesports Hurdle at Leopardstown and third in the Ladbroke at Ascot. Gordon Elliott's charge was a cheeky winner of this race 12 months ago and conditions again seem to suit. Plinth failed to make much impression in the Galway Hurdle last time but is capable on his day and with a rating of 139, he looks a big danger. Draycott Place looks to have a tough task at the weights, while The Plan Man also has a few pounds to find in the four-runner event. Mizyen aims to end a frustrating run of three placed efforts in the opening Family Day Out Maiden Hurdle, while Wisty and Royal Flight were both winners last time out ahead of the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
