Hat-trick-seeking He Rock's still improving says Mahon

Steve Mahon, who trains at Kilcolgan, County Galway, will be hoping for a home win in this valuable handicap in which he is represented by He Rock's and Aranhill Chief, both of whom have winning form at the track.

He Rock's is on a hat-trick following a course-and-distance win last month and a 22-length success over further at Roscommon two weeks ago. Paul Townend's mount has gone up a total of 21lb for those two victories.

Aranhill Chief, the mount of Luke Dempsey, was a two-time winner over the course and trip at the festival meeting two years ago and was last successful in July when landing the Connacht National at Roscommon.

Mick Winters has found Galway a happy hunting ground in the past and recorded consecutive wins in the Galway Hurdle in 2012 and 2013 with Rebel Fitz and Missunited. He is represented by Another Rebel, who won a beginners’ chase on his debut over fences at Cork in March.

The nine-year-old has finished second on his last two starts, most recently when runner-up to Draycott Place when making his handicap debut over a shorter trip at Cork 15 days ago.

Killer Crow, who represents the Gordon Elliott-Gigginstown House Stud alliance, will be seeking only his second win over fences having failed to add to his success at Navan last December.

What they say

Mick Winters, trainer of Another Rebel
He was off for a long time but has done quite well over fences since coming back in March. If the going is no quicker than genuine good ground, he should go well. We're very happy with him.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Killer Crow
You'd be fancying him on the work he does at home but he's been disappointing. He's in good form and we might change tactics and ride him more positively this time.

Mouse Morris, trainer of Dromnea
He ran well up to the second-last over at Punchestown on his first run of the season and if he has come on for the run he'll have an each-way chance dropping back in trip.

Steve Mahon, trainer of Aranhill Chief and He Rock's
Both have shown their liking for the track. He Rock's has gone up a lot in the ratings but is on a hat-trick and definitely seems to be improving. The ground doesn't seem to matter to him, whereas Aranhill Chief wouldn't want the forecast rain to arrive. The better the ground, the more he'll like it.