Captain Cee Bee is still likely to line up in the Galway Plate even if he wins Sunday’s Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary.
Eddie Harty’s stable star holds entries in both major Galway races but even a win over hurdles this weekend is unlikely to deter connections from their original `chasing aim.
Last seen finishing third to Big Zeb at the Punchestown Festival, he is in receipt of weight from most of his rivals in the Grade Three event.
“The conditions of the race suit him, he`s nicely in for his first run back,” Harty said.
“He’ll improve for the run but he’s in good form and I’m looking forward to it.
“Running over hurdles for the first time in years shouldn’t be an issue, they’re Easyfix hurdles anyway so they are just mini-fences in a way.
“The ground should be fine, there’s a bit of rain forecast but it should be ideal, good ground.
“He`s in both the Galway Hurdle and Plate but the outcome this weekend is unlikely to alter our way of thinking – I think he’ll end up in the Plate whatever.
“This is a nice race to get him out in and there’s a fair bit of cash on offer and it falls nicely for Galway as well.
“We mooted the idea after Punchestown and decided we’d have a crack at the Plate.
“He’s a good-ground horse and there’s huge money on offer in the Plate.
“As long as he comes back safe and sound I’ll be happy.”
Edward O’Grady saddles both 2009 winner Jumbo Rio and The Real Article, while Powerstation, Jack Cool, De Valira and Muirhead complete the field.
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