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- Mangan hoping Promise can deliver
Mangan hoping Promise can deliver
Perfect Promise pictured on her way to victory at Thurles earlier this year
© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Jimmy Mangan believes in-form mare Perfect Promise has plenty going for her in the Ladbrokes Munster National at Limerick on Sunday.
The seven-year-old has only once finished outside the first three when she has completed in seven starts this year and could not have been more impressive on her latest appearance at Galway.
Mangan expects the step up to three miles to bring out the best in his charge, who carries the familiar colours of the late prominent owner, breeder and trainer Geoff Hubbard.
Mangan said: "She's a lovely racing weight (10st 6lb) and she's in great form at the moment.
"She hasn't won over three miles before, but there's no doubt two miles and six (furlongs) in Galway is a good test for any horse and she did it well that day. All she does is stay.
"The weather is dry enough, so I'd say it will be good going and that will suit her well.
"We have a good jockey (Adrian Heskin) and the trip and the ground is right, so fingers crossed for a big run.
"She's owned by an English lady, Janet Reader, who's the daughter of Geoff Hubbard. Hopefully we can have a bit of luck for her." The Job Is Right is an interesting contender for local trainer Michael Hourigan.
Third in the National Hunt Chase at last season's Cheltenham Festival, the seven-year-old subsequently fell at the first in the Irish Grand National before failing to fire at Punchestown.
He is prominent in the market for his first start in over five months, but Hourigan believes his charge will strip fitter for the run.
He said: "It's his first run of the season and I'd say he'll come on a lot for it.
"It will be nice to get him started and we'll see how we get on."
Willie Mullins has three representatives, with stable jockey Ruby Walsh siding with Kerry National runner-up Urano over stable companions The Paparrazi Kid (Danny Mullins) and Indevan (David Mullins).
Speaking on his website www.wpmullins.com, the champion trainer said: "The Paparrazi Kid likes this track and a reproduction of his run in the Galway Plate would give him a chance.
"Indevan has been disappointing, but has won over this track and trip.
"Urano had a tough race when just touched off in the Kerry National and the worry is that this could be coming a bit quick.However, it is a big prize and maybe first time cheek pieces will be a help to him."