Nolan runners capable of success on tight Wexford track

Trip and quick ground likely to extract best from handler’s contenders

Paul Nolan: local trainer has four runners at Wexford this evening with at least two holding solid chances. Photograph: Brenda Fitzimons
Paul Nolan: local trainer has four runners at Wexford this evening with at least two holding solid chances. Photograph: Brenda Fitzimons

Ground conditions are sure to be quick at Wexford this evening and local trainer Paul Nolan could be the man to follow with at least two of his four scheduled runners looking to hold good chances.

Watering will continue on officially “good to firm” ground for a meeting that comes five days after five horses were killed at Clonmel.

Debut over fences Wexford’s tight circuit is n

ot suitable for every horse but it seems to suit The Mooch who added to a bumper success here last year by winning a maiden hurdle on St Patrick's Day. He could pose a danger on his chasing debut as he has shown a decent aptitude for racing.

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Nolan's Big Generator has also won twice at Wexford, including a novice chase two years ago.

The nine-year-old recently returned to winning form in a two mile four-furlong hurdle at Tipperary and looks rated to go close in today’s handicap chase as an 11lb lower mark in this instance could afford the son of Generous an ideal opportunity for a follow-up success.

Son of Arc winner Ballydoyle handler Aidan O'Brien will be busy focussing on other things at Royal Ascot this week but as a son of Dylan Thomas, this sort of ground could be right up Shield's street in the four-runner novice hurdle.

While Shield was let down by his jumping in the closing stages at Limerick on his last outing the selection is taken to improve on that performance and get the better of the the progressive Bentelimar.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column