IT is a case of all systems go for John ‘Shark’ Hanlon’s remarkable stalwart Hewick, who is said to be in excellent form ahead of his bid to become only the third back-to-back winner of the Galway Plate in over half a century.

T.J. McDonald’s American Grand National hero plundered the Tote-backed prize at Ballybrit off a mark of 155 last summer, but he will have to overcome a difficult rating of 167 when attempting to follow up on August 2nd.

Hanlon’s popular eight-year-old was running a fine race when falling two from home in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and has since won the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at Sandown, as well as finishing fourth in the French Champion Hurdle.

“He’s in great nick and we’re looking forward to having another crack at Galway,” Hanlon told The Irish Field.

“I thought it was a great run from him last time at Auteuil. The ground really wouldn’t have suited him - he definitely wants it quicker - but he still managed to finish fourth and come home with just over €35,000. Every day he goes out he never seems to let us down. I’m happy that he’s in good shape at home.”

On trying to defy the history books and win the €270,000 contest off a mammoth rating, Hanlon added: “Sure they said he couldn’t win the Kerry National off the weight he carried last year. He was unlucky not to win that when coming down at the last. The horse is flying at the moment.

“I think we have a great team for Galway this year, particularly in terms of our bumper horses. They look nice. Enfranchise is another we’re looking forward to in a maiden or novice hurdle. She was very good for us when winning the Ulster Oaks last month and she’s a fair mare, who is still a maiden over hurdles.”

Life Of A Lord (1995 and 1996) and Ansar (2004 and 2005) are the only horses to have won the Galway Plate in consecutive years since Ross Sea completed the double in 1964 and 1965.