GAVIN CROMWELL: This week Gavin reflects on his yard’s Punchestown performance and Quick Suzy’s run at The Curragh, along with previewing his six weekend runners.
Looking back
Unfortunately the race wasn’t really run to suit Vanillier at Punchestown. He would have liked a much stronger gallop and although he might not have won with the winner very impressive, he would definetly have finished a lot closer to him than he did. He galloped all the way through to the line and we weren’t too disappointed with the run. We’d still be pretty hopeful races like the Brown Advisory would be on the agenda next season as he showed he has the class with his win in the Albert Bartlett.
It was a day to forget for Flooring Porter to be honest. It was almost over before it began for him and it was just one of those days which didn’t go to plan. It doesn’t take any gloss of what has been a fantastic season for him, though. He’s won two Grade 1s so you can’t be too disappointed and I’m sure he’ll be back to his best next season.
You had to be impressed by My Mate Mozzie. We’ve always thought plenty of him, but it’s always good to see them come out and do it on the track. He’s one we’re really looking forward too, especially at the spring festivals, as he probably isn’t one who will handle deep winter ground. It’s still to be decided if he goes straight over hurdles or continues in bumpers, but whichever route we take, we’re very excited about him.
On the Flat, Quick Suzy was very good at the Curragh. She was second on debut and learnt plenty from that. To win by over five lengths was really impressive and we’re hopeful she’ll take us to Royal Ascot. Before that she’s likely to head to Naas for a Group 3 on 16 May and providing all goes well there, she’ll head to Ascot for either the Queen Mary or Albany Stakes. She’d be the yard’s first runner at the Royal Meeting which would be very special.
Runners over the next few days
Battle Of Benburb won nicely the last day at Tramore and he’s set to line up in the rated novice hurdle (2.25pm) at Cork on Saturday. This was the logical next step after that win and we’re hopeful he’ll go close again. He’s been in good form since Tramore, so hopefully he can go back-to-back.
We’d like to think Malina Girl will have come on again from her debut in the fillies bumper (5.20pm). The penny dropped late at Tramore and she ran on very strongly at a track which probably didn’t suit her. She’s in good form and has improved since, though Beyond Ambitious might be a tough nut to crack. Our filly is a smart type however, and that rival will have to be a good one to beat her.
On Sunday at Kilarney, Railway Hurricane takes his chance in the Grade B handicap hurdle (3.30pm). It’s his first run in a little while and we’re hopeful he can run a solid race. We’re not quite sure where a mark of 132 leaves him, but he’s still lightly-raced for his age, so with any luck there might be a bit more improvement to come.
Wadiyatink Now goes in the beginners chase (4.30pm). Her rating of 114 over hurdles doesn’t leave her too far off in this company and having schooled well at home, we’re hopeful she can make a solid start over the larger obstacles.
On to Monday and Darver Star runs in the Luachra Hurdle (5.10pm) at Kilarney. He was well beaten on his first run back over hurdles at Punchestown, but this looks a very nice opportunity to get his confidence back. He’s getting weight off a couple of rivals and you’d have to be hopeful he’ll go close.
Eyre Square was second in a maiden hurdle at Limerick last time and that should have put her spot on for another one at Killarney (5.40pm). The horse she finished second to then subsequently finished second in the Listed Mares Novice at the Punchestown Festival, so the form looks pretty strong for a race of this calibre. She won a bumper impressively the start before and we’d be pretty confident that she’d take a bit of beating here.
