News Paul Nicholls considers Galway raid with Newton Abbot scorer Art Mauresque

Paul Nicholls considers Galway raid with Newton Abbot scorer Art Mauresque

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Paul Nicholls is thinking of the Galway Plate for Art Mauresque after his win in the totepool Handicap Chase at Newton Abbot.

He was always travelling well for Nick Scholfield in the £25,000 contest but did not jump the last fluently.

However, the 3-1 chance quickened up smartly on the run-in to beat 11-4 favourite Portway Flyer by a head.

Nicholls told At The Races: "It's the first time for a long time he's had his ground that really suits.

"He's so much more relaxed now. He used to be a bit of a tearaway, but he jumps really well and galloped all the way to the line.

"I don't think Nick hit him, he sprinted from the last and he had a big weight.

"He'd get three miles now. A flat track like this and decent ground are ideal for him. Finding the right races are difficult.

"I've just said to Johnny De La Hay (owner) that he might be one to consider for the Galway Plate as the two-five on that track if the ground was fast might be ideal for him."