GAVIN CROMWELL: In this week’s blog, Brand Ambassador Gavin Cromwell previews a host of runners he has in action this weekend at Kilbeggan and Cork.
Firstly I’d like to offer huge congratulations to Emmet McNamara for his success in the Derby last weekend.
It was a phenomenally bold ride and I’m sure it’s one he’ll never forget! Conor, his brother, works here at the yard and we’re all chuffed for him.
We were also delighted to see Bentham get off the mark in his maiden hurdle at Bellewstown on Wednesday.
He went close at Limerick the last day, finishing second to Filon D’Oudairies of Joseph O’Brien’s, so we were pretty hopeful he’d go close again.
It’s pleasing to see he’s managed to take a step forward and we’ll now be looking at the Galway Festival for him.
Talking of which, I’m hoping to update you on some of my Galway plans next week.
Friday at Kilbeggan
We’ve got eight horses heading to Kilbeggan on Friday, headed by Dakota Beat in the maiden hurdle (4:55pm).
He ran well in Roscommon the last day and will hopefully have come on for that.
It looks like a strong enough maiden but we’re happy with ours and I’d say he has a very good chance.
We’ve then got four horses lining up in the 3m1f handicap hurdle (6:25pm).
There aren’t a huge amount of options for them at this trip and we want to give them all a run so that’s why we’ve got so many in there.
Top Of The Chart is who stable jockey Jonathan Moore has opted for.
He won three times on this horse last season and we’re hopeful he’ll run another good race here, although he might just need it a bit.
He looks the obvious pick of the four but it’s very tough to split them and the others aren’t without a chance.
Asleagh Dawn goes well fresh and Conor McNamara takes off a valuable 5lbs, while Global Racing is fit and ready to run and has Chris Timmons taking off 3lbs.
Likewise, Biddy The Boss is now ready for his first run of the season and did well over the winter over this trip.
There really isn’t a great deal between them but obviously Jonathan will be hoping he’s gone for the right one.
Lever Du Soleil and Clonguile Way both line up in the beginners chase (6:55pm).
It looks a big ask for Clonguile Way but Lever Du Soleil would certainly have a fair chance.
We’re looking forward to seeing him back over fences having put in a couple of nice efforts last season.
He seems in good form and will hopefully run a good race.
Of all of Friday’s runners, I’d have to say Dakota Beat looks our most obvious chance.
Sunday at Cork
Two for us on Sunday at Cork, kicking off with Ahthatsgrand in the six furlong maiden (2:40pm).
She’s a nice filly by Dandy Man who’s being doing well at home and we’re hoping for a good showing first time up.
We think she’s capable of getting involved but it’s hard to know exactly what you’re up against.
Then Crystal Dawn lines up in the six furlong handicap (3:10pm).
She travelled solidly over seven furlongs at Leopardstown last time out but maybe didn’t see it out as well as the others, so the step back in trip should suit.
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