Total Excitement set to make it third time lucky

RACING:Total Excitement can make it third time lucky when Tom Cooper's runner lines up for this afternoon's bumper at Clonmel.

The six-year-old returned to action with a fine run at Leopardstown last month when winding up fifth in a big field behind the highly regarded Dermot Weld newcomer Endless Intrigue.

Total Excitement made a bold bid to win when hitting the front early in the straight and it was only in the final furlong that he faded.

That looked a better race than today's, although it does include the Willie Mullins-trained Watchurhouse. The Mullins team could have better luck in the Listed novice hurdle with Cooldine who would be an appropriate winner on Hennessy week considering he carries the colours of the four-time winner Florida Pearl.

Cooldine looks open to more improvement and can successfully concede weight to Your Sum Man.

The Grand National entry Merdeka has to concede weight all round in the conditions chase but, despite a rather under-whelming season to date, this two-and-a-half mile trip could suit such a free-wheeling sort.

Young Milly was only beaten a couple of necks in a decent contest at Navan behind Raise Your Heart and there will be no 25 to 1 about her this time in the opening maiden hurdle.