Bowen triple-handed in Plate

Peter Bowen will be triple-handed in tomorrow’s 15-runner totesport.com Summer Plate Handicap Chase at Market Rasen.

The Pembrokeshire-based handler is represented by 2003 winner Ballycassidy, Celtic Boy and Yes Sir, who is unbeaten in five novice chases and will be ridden by Tony McCoy.

Paul Webber’s recent Royal Ascot fourth Full House is among the other leading contenders in the £65,000 (€95,000) contest.

Webber has also entered Duke Of Buckingham and will be looking for his second win in the Summer Plate since Fleeting Mandate’s success in 1999.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls saddles Sweet Diversion, who was well fancied for the Uttoxeter Summer National in July and finished fourth behind Bowen’s Mckelvey.

Gary Moore relies on 2004 Cheltenham Festival winner Tikram, while Philip Hobbs is responsible for Fool On The Hill.

David Pipe will be looking to continue his family’s good recent record in the race after victories for Chicuelo in 2002 and Tango Royal last year.

The Nicholashayne trainer is doubly-represented with French import Tevere and Inch Pride.

The field is completed by Mr Fluffy, Bohemian Spirit, Luneray, Joey Tribbiani and Calatagan.

Nicholls hopes stepping back in trip will bring about the necessary improvement for the Ruby Walsh-ridden Sweet Diversion to figure.

“The step back in trip will definitely be in his favour – I just hope it’s not too far back in trip for him,” said Nicholls.

“His ideal trip is probably three-mile-one or three-mile-two – like when he won at Cheltenham in April. With his rating as it is there are not many races he can run in so my hand is a bit forced really.

“I’d prefer it if it was three miles but the drop back in trip will definitely suit him. The ground should be fine for him as he loves fast ground, if it rained and turned soft he wouldn’t run.

“He thrives in the summer really and he might have a few runs in the autumn before being put away again like he was last year.”