Noel Meade pictured with Muirhead after winning the 2011 Ladbrokes Munster National © Photo Healy Racing
Noel Meade believes Muirhead has good claims of landing the Ladbrokes Munster National at Limerick for a second time this afternoon.
Once a smart novice hurdler, Muirhead is now a standing dish in valuable staying handicaps and he followed up a fourth-place finish in the Galway Plate by coming third in the Kerry National.
"Muirhead won the race in 2011 and is in good form and hopefully the ground stays the way it is as it will suit him," said Meade.
"His last two runs have been good and if he reproduces that form he has to have a squeak."
Meade also runs Tom Horn one of five runners for owner JP McManus.
"Tom Horn likes good ground but obviously he has a bit less experience. He missed the cut in the Plate and the Kerry National but he's in tremendous form," said Meade.
The Tu Va handler has also declared Fisher Bridge but he is only third reserve.
"If Fisher Bridge gets in he'll run but it's probably unlikely that he'll get into it. He's also in good form, and needs good ground," Meade concluded.
McManus' Double Seven has won his last three for trainer Martin Brassil and arrives at the top of his game.
"He likes good ground, so hopefully he's going to get that and we'll see how he goes," said Brassil.
"He's gone up 26lb this summer, so he'll have to step up again now. It looks a strong race."
Jim Culloty is feeling confident about the chances of Spring Heeled who runs in the famous Dr Ronan Lambe colours.
"We've booked Barry Geraghty to ride him and it looks as though he's going to get his ground. He's in great form and hopefully he has a great chance," said Culloty.
"He's been running well all year and we were happy with his run the last day as the ground was plenty soft enough for him.
"There is no rain around this weekend I believe, so we're looking forward to it."
Dessie Hughes won the race last year with Raz De Maree and runs Wise Oscar this weekend.
"He couldn't be better. He got a bad run through the race in the Kerry National. He didn't see much light at his fences and it was a bit too rough for him. I'd be hopeful that he will run a big race." said Hughes. Questions Answered was third last year for Eric McNamara and just behind Muirhead last time out.
"He seems to be in great order and came out of Listowel well. He's been in great shape since and we're hoping he might have improved a small little bit from that run which might make the difference. He should give a good account of himself," said McNamara.
"It was his first run back after a break at Listowel but we had him fit and well there. Ideally I'd like a bit more cut in the ground, a shower of rain wouldn't go astray, but once the ground is not on the fast side he won't mind."
