Winter Magic on trail for fifth chase win

3.40 Gowran Park
Holden Plant Rentals Shamrock Handicap Chase (Grade B)| 2m2f | ATR

Gowran Park provided Grand National winning trainer Jimmy Mangan with a Thyestes Chase win in 2010 when Whinstone Boy won the track's biggest prize of the year and Mangan is represented in today's feature event, which carries a first prize of €29,500, by Winter Magic who will be bidding for a fifth victory over fences.

Davy Russell, who has ridden Winter Magic to two of those wins, will be aiming to win this race for the third year in a row having partnered Toon River to victory in 2015 and 2016.

Top weight Draycott Place, a four-time chase winner and who was in contention when falling two out at Thurles on his most recent start, and Kilcarry Bridge represent John Ryan.

The Willie Mullins-trained New Kid In Town, a faller at Leopardstown on his last two starts, will be seeking a third win over fences.

Black Zero is the only course and distance winner in the ten runner line-up while the Paul Nolan-trained Fine Theatre, winner of a beginners chase on the same card a year ago, returns to action following a 342 day absence.

What they say

Dermot McLoughlin, trainer of Westerners Son
He's in good order and he likes testing ground. They went too quick for him at Naas last time but he won well on his previous start.

Paul Nolan, trainer of Fine Theatre
He seems in good form but it's been a long time since he ran and while he's a course winner and won't have a problem with the ground, he will come on for the run.

Jimmy Mangan, trainer of Winter Magic
He's in good form and although he's dropping down in trip, Davy [Russell] often said to me not to be afraid of running him over this sort of trip as he has plenty of pace.

Aidan Fogarty, trainer of Samanntom
He didn't run well over hurdles last time, but I'm hoping fences will bring him around again. The trip, the ground and going right-handed will suit and hopefully he'll be in the first three.