JP McManus fires four at €25,000 feature handicap hurdle at Cork

www.corkracecourse.ie Handicap Hurdle | 2m4f | RTV | 4yo+

It has been a while since the real Campeador showed up on the racecourse and Gordon Elliott's charge is in danger of going down as a serial underachiever.

A faller at the last in a Fred Winter, a €100,000 handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse and even in a Morgiana Hurdle a couple of seasons ago, Campeador may have ironed out his jumping in recent times but he has fallen a lot in the ratings.

One of four JP McManus-owned runners in this €25,000 feature, Campeador is reported to be in good shape by racing manager Frank Berry, who is hopeful the grey can come back to something like his best under Keith Donoghue.

Berry said: "He's been a bit disappointing but they say he's in good old form at home so we're hoping he can run a bit better here."

Asked who the pick of the McManus foursome might be, Berry said: "Morosini just ran into one on the day over the course and distance last time and, if he reproduces that run, you'd have to be hopeful. Jessie [Harrington] is very happy with him. We're hoping for the best."

On the remainder of their team, he added: "Dont Kick Nor Bite is back after a break and The Gatechecker needs to put a disappointing effort behind him."

What they say

Charles Byrnes, trainer of Hareth
He's not getting any younger but he usually runs well around Cork. He likes soft ground and, while it's drying out, it'll still be sticky so he should be fine. He probably needed the run the last time so we're hopeful.

James Dullea, trainer of Rocky's Silver
He's in good form but I hope the ground won't dry out too much for him. The softer the ground the better his chance, he missed Leopardstown at Christmas because the ground dried out too much. It looks a competitive race and you could make a strong case for four or five of them. He has a nice racing weight and we'd be hoping he can be competitive off this mark.

Liam Cusack, trainer of Snugsborough Hall
We're starting him off in this with a view towards some chases in the spring, but he's in good nick and we're happy with him. He'll come on from the run. He's a good slick jumper over fences but he's pretty much unexposed over hurdles and the drying ground will help.

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