Conna seeking Post glory
The 10-year-old has been largely disappointing in Ireland this season but showed something of a return to form when seventh in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park last month.
Mangan believes the likely quicker ground at Kempton will see his charge in an even better light and he is hopeful he can make the journey across the Irish Sea worthwhile.
“All being will he will head over to England this afternoon and hopefully he will run a big race at the weekend,” said the County Cork handler.
“He had been quite disappointing this season but we were very happy with his run in the Thyestes and we think we have him right now.
“We found one or two problems with his back earlier in the season which is why he hadn’t been jumping so good but he was absolutely super at Gowran last time.
“The ground was absolutely bottomless that day and hopefully the ground at the weekend should suit him much better as he is really a good ground horse.
“It will be the first time he has had his ground for quite a while and if the top couple of horses stay in, he should get in the race off a nice weight. He’s on 10st 6lb at the moment, which would be grand.”
Mangan has been quick to secure the services of Timmy Murphy to ride his charge in the weekend’s feature after his first choice, Denis O’Regan, picked up a suspension.
“Denis was ready to ride him and we had sorted it with his agent but he didn’t realise he was banned. Luckily enough Howard Johnson rang me to let me know in good time so we have managed to get Timmy,” Mangan continued.
“I know Timmy quite well as he only came from up the road here and he’s certainly not a bad substitute.
“The horse is in fine form and hopefully he will have a big each-way chance.”
