Blackstair among 42 remaining in Galway Plate Ante-post favourite Blackstairmountain features among 42 remaining entries for Wednesday's thetote.com Galway Plate following the final forfeit stage. Champion trainer Willie Mullins won the prestigious handicap chase for the first time when Blazing Tempo triumphed 12 months ago and he has every chance of repeating the dose, with Blackstairmountain joined by the defending champion, as well as a second stablemate, Raptor. Blackstairmountain was second in a Grade One novice event at the Punchestown Festival on his latest appearance over fences, but was a winner on the Flat at Bellewstown earlier this month. Blazing Tempo has not been seen since pulling up in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham, while Raptor could step up in class following a recent victory at Wexford. Wise Old Owl is a fascinating contender for John Kiely. He was second in last year's Galway Plate but has not been seen since. Philip Fenton's Caim Hill will carry a 10lb penalty for his success at Kilbeggan last week, while the Gordon Elliott-trained His Excellency has a 7lb penalty for a Killarney win, although he is not guaranteed a run. Other players in what will be a 22-runner maximum field include top-weight Follow The Plan, Carlito Brigante, Casey Top and Definite Class.
