Oslot a big hope for Nicholls in Galway Plate

PAUL NICHOLLS carved up most of the major steeplechase events during the winter, and now Britain's champion trainer looks to have Ireland's premier summer prize over fences in his sights with the unexposed Oslot installed an early ante-post favourite for the William Hill Galway Plate in two weeks.

The weights for the traditional festival feature were released yesterday with Nicholls's Hoo La Baloo on top with 11.10. He was unluckily brought down in last year's Plate, but it's his stable companion, the ex-French Oslot on 10.13, who has caught the sponsor's eye and he has been made a 7 to 1 market leader.

Oslot only began his steeplechase career on New Year's Day but has won four of his five starts over fences, including the Grade Two Pendil Chase at Kempton in February.

His only defeat was a narrow one to Mahogany Blaze at Cheltenham in April, and he has won again since.

"I'm not too surprised Oslot is at the top of the betting," Nicholls said yesterday. "He's an improving young horse and I'm hopeful he'll run a big race.

"Hoo La Baloo was dreadfully unlucky last year, and even though he's high in the weights the track suits him and he deserves another crack."

Nicholls also has Oumeyade (10.7) in the race.

Last year's Plate hero Sir Frederick will miss the race through injury this time, but Ballyagran, who finished runner-up last year, is one of five Noel Meade-trained entries.

Champion trainer Willie Mullins has two.

Meanwhile, the legendary Galway performer Ansar is on target for a fifth crack at the Plate, which he won in 2004 and 2005.

He also finished runner-up in 2006 and fourth last year. Dermot Weld's star is a seven-time winner around Ballybrit.

Galway begins in 13 days with prizemoney totals exceeding €2 million for the first time and over €30 million is expected to be bet on track during the week.

The Co Tipperary-based trainer Thomond O'Mara had a good day at the Turf Club yesterday when his appeal against the severity of the €1,500 fine imposed on him and the 60-day ban slapped on his horse Vintage Year at Limerick last month paid off.

The appeals body decided to halve O'Mara's fine to €750, while Vintage Year's ban was reduced to 28 days.

Vintage Year finished a nearest at finish fifth at Limerick on June 20th in the six-furlong handicap won by Six Of Hearts.

Elsewhere, Art Connoisseur, the 12 to 1 favourite for next year's 2,000 Guineas, has been confirmed an intended runner in Sunday week's Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

The unbeaten Coventry Stakes winner worked well at the weekend, and trainer Michael Bell said yesterday: "Jamie (Spencer) came to ride him on Saturday and was very happy with him.

"Hopefully, everything leads to the Phoenix Stakes."

William Hill Bet: Galway Plate: 7 Oslot, 10 Emma Jane, Oumeyade, 11 Emotional Article, Green Mile, 12 Ansar, Breaking Silence, Hoo La Baloo, 14 Ballyagran, Dosco, French Accordion, Irish Invader, Santa's Son, Dom Fontenail, 16 Bar.