Uncle Tom Cobley © Photo Healy Racing
Conor O'Dwyer hopes Uncle Tom Cobley has one more good day in him as he prepares for what is likely to be his final start for the County Kildare trainer in Sunday's Lord Hemphill Memorial Handicap Chase at Galway.
Despite only winning on three occasions from 44 starts, the nine-year-old has an overall consistent profile, having been placed a further 18 times.
But with his owners Gigginstown House Stud constantly raising the bar in terms of the quality of their string, Uncle Tom Cobley is set to be moved on through the sales ring next week.
O'Dwyer said: "The ground won't bother him too much on Sunday, but he's high enough in the handicap and the lack of a fence in the straight wouldn't really be in his favour either.
"Realistically we'd be happy if he's placed and runs a nice race, as he's off to the sales in Doncaster on Tuesday.
"He's been a consistent horse and for that reason he's never really had too many chances in handicaps, unfortunately.
"I wouldn't mind a few more like him."
Gigginstown are also represented in Sunday's feature by Toner D'Oudairies while Pires is a major contender for Tony Martin, who has already enjoyed an excellent Festival.
County Tyrone handler James Lambe is expecting a bold show from Twin Plan in the Vision EBF Fund Mares Handicap Hurdle.
The eight-year-old won twice at Ayr and once at Downpatrick to complete a hat-trick earlier in the year and has filled the runner-up spot on his last two starts.
Lambe said: "She's versatile ground-wise. She's won on good and she's won on heavy, so that isn't an issue.
"I'm hoping she'll run a nice race."
The final race of the seven-day Festival is the Fr. Breen Memorial INH Flat Race, in which the Willie Mullins-trained Devils Bride is bound to be popular with punters as he aims to secure his third win from as many starts.
