Mullins pair gunning for Plate riches Emmet Mullins holds a strong hand in Wednesday's Tote Galway Plate as The Shunter and Cape Gentleman are both set to line up. The Shunter came fourth in last year's renewal and prepared for this assignment by winning on the Flat at Sligo in May. The trainer said: “Cape Gentleman and The Shunter will both take their chance in the Plate. “The Shunter ran a cracker in it last year and hopefully he’s had a better prep as he had a long season last year and got a bit of a break after Punchestown which probably didn’t suit. “He picked up a nice maiden on the Flat in Sligo last time and we have kept him ticking over. Cape Gentleman hasn't been seen since falling in the Grade One Drinmore at Fairyhouse in November. Mullins said: “Cape Gentleman is in great form. It’s a bit of a worry that he’s been off since the Drinmore and taking a fall last time out. He picked up an injury and it was a disappointment to miss the backend of his novice season. “It is a high mark but hopefully he might still be a bit unexposed. “He ran a cracker in the Galway Hurdle (in third) last year and has a great cruising speed. Usually his jumping is good and, if he can put it all together, he’ll have a live chance too. “I think with his high cruising speed the Plate will suit him and I’d have no worry about the trip.” The Shunter shades favouritism for this €270,000 race over an extended 2m6f from Cape Gentleman and the Joseph O'Brien pair of Fire Attack and Busselton. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
