Cooper duo set for Galway Hurdle

Tom Cooper hopes Son Amix can finally enjoy his day in the spotlight in Thursday's Guinness Galway Hurdle.

The French-bred grey has secured just one victory since arriving in Ireland, but has run a number of fine races in defeat, filling the runner-up spot in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham and, most recently, at the Punchestown Festival.

He is set to drop back to two miles in this week's fiercely competitive handicap, but his trainer does not expect that to be a problem.

Cooper said: "He's coming back to two miles but I wouldn't be concerned about that.

"A stiff two miles with all the hustle and bustle of the race should suit him.

"He handles all sorts of ground, but I think he's probably a better horse on better ground.

"I'm hoping Overturn comes over to keep the weights down and if he does I think our horse would have an each-way chance."

Cooper is also set to saddle likely outsider Total Excitement, who ran well in good handicaps at Aintree and Punchestown in the spring.

"He normally runs a big race, although we were very disappointed with his last run in Killarney," Cooper added.

"It was an odd sort of run and we never really got to the bottom of it.

"The ground was a bit soft and he had a lot of weight.

"I think he's probably just a better horse with less weight on his back in a better race."