The Long Mile leads strong McManus team into battle in Gowran Park feature

4.00 Gowran Park
Holden Plant Rentals Shamrock Handicap Chase (Grade B) | 2m2f | 5yo+ | RTV

JP McManus would appear to hold the key to this valuable handicap, which is quite competitive given its closeness to Cheltenham.

The Long Mile will have the first colours of the leading owner with Luke Dempsey wearing a white cap. The progressive six-year-old is trained by his father, Phillip, and arrives on the back of a comfortable success over slightly shorter at the track last time.

That was achieved off a mark of 115 so life won't be easy off 9lb higher. Age is on his side, though, and there is surely more improvement to come. He would be a worthy favourite.

Debuchet remains a bit of a mystery. This is the same grey gelding who chased home Fayonagh in the 2017 Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, but he never won over hurdles and was a disappointing favourite over fences at Leopardstown last time.

Debuchet: has been working well at home according to rider Danny MullinsCredit: Patrick McCann

That was in a hot handicap at the Dublin Racing festival so these shallower waters could suit better and Danny Mullins says his work at home has been good recently.

Do not forget he chased home Grand Annual favourite Greaneteen at Ascot before Christmas. The Paul Nicholls-trained novice is now rated 18lb higher than that day on 150, with Debuchet running off just 133 here, 2lb higher than he was at Ascot.

Velocity Boy is always a danger when there is mud flying so ignore him at your peril. He loves to get on with things so this looks sure to turn into a real test in the conditions.

What they say

Danny Mullins, rider of Debuchet
He comes here with a bit to prove on the back of a poor run the last day but his work at home has been very good and the form of his run at Ascot is not working out too bad at all.

William Murphy, trainer of Velocity Boy
I'd say I'm the only person in Ireland who would love some more rain for him. The looser the better. He's had more problems than I have but he seems to be in good form at the moment.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Diamond Turf
He's been quite consistent since switching to fences and deserves to get his head in front. It looks quite a competitive race but he should go well. He's in good form.

Philip Dempsey, trainer of The Long Mile
He's doing everything nicely and we're very happy with him. He's won at the track, so that's obviously a help, and he goes there with his chance. It's not a bad race, though.

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