GAVIN CROMWELL: BETDAQ Brand Ambassador Gavin Cromwell reflects on the sad news on Espoir D’Allen and ahead to the stables runners this weekend.
Espoir D’Allen
As was reported last week, it was with great sadness that we had to announce the passing of our Champion Hurdle winner Espoir D’Allen. It’s obviously been a very tough few days for the yard as the horse gave us our best day in racing so far, but on the advice of the veterinary team we made the decision. I’d like to thank everyone for their messages over the past week, they’re much appreciated.
Curragh Friday
We run Innamorare in the Irish Cambridgeshire (6.50pm) and we’re hoping the rain stays away. She was a little bit disappointing the last day in Leopardstown, but she’s been well since and we’d give her an each-way squeak. She’s been second in three Premier Handicaps this season, so seems to relish this sort of race which should stand her in good stead here. Her second at Galway would put her bang there and I wouldn’t put anyone off her at a double-figure price.
Down Royal Friday
Theatre Of War (4.35pm) makes his first start for us after running on the Flat for Keith Dalgleish. He’s a nice type, who is only just finding his feet with jumping, but we think there’s some ability there and hopefully he can run well. We’re pretty confident he’ll stay as he was second on heavy ground as a two-year-old which is no easy feat. If he jumps well, I don’t see why he couldn’t potentially finish in the prize money.
Top Of The Charts is back over hurdles (7.10pm) having been very progressive over fences so far this season. He’s 18 pounds lower over hurdles and we’d like to think he can put that to his advantage here. He looks the one to beat and he should be bang there.
Down Royal Saturday
We run three at Down Royal on Saturday, starting with Dragon Of Malta in the nursery handicap (3.25pm). It’s his first run in a nursery and a mark of 65 looks a touch on the high side, but we’re hoping some blinkers will bring about a bit of improvement. He’s got a good draw and the trip should be to his liking as well, however like most of the nurseries at this time of the year, it’s a bit of a fact finding mission to find out exactly where we are.
Aasleagh Fawn runs in the 1m4f handicap (4.35pm) and comes into this after a good second at Tramore the last day. Nothing went right for her there from a really bad draw and unfortunately her draw on Saturday hasn’t done her too many favours either. The trip will suit as will any rain and she should have a strong chance, but the draw is a worry.
Early Strike runs in the same race and is having his first start for us after moving from Dermot Murphy. He’s lowly rated and this race will give us a good idea of the sort of horse we’re dealing with and how we plan to campaign him.
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