Acapulco’s turn has finally come
Edward O’Grady’s charge, successful on the flat when trained by Aidan O’Brien, will be partnered by Andrew McNamara, returning to action today for the first time since taking a fall off Luska Lad at Naas eight days ago.
When a horse keeps finishing second there is obvious cause to question his resolution, but the selection’s latest effort was easily his best to date and he’s a reasonably confident choice.
Acapulco was in action at Leopardstown at Christmas, failing by a short head to reel in the smart Western Leader over two and a half miles.
He was doing all his best work at the finish and stepping up another three furlongs in trip will surely work in his favour.
Even more encouragingly, however, is the fact that Rick, a further two lengths away in third at Leopardstown, scored by 11 lengths last Saturday, back at Leopardstown.
Charlie Swan holds Prince Of Fire in high regard and the progressive five-year-old can take the Navan Golf Club Open For Membership Hurdle.
Winner of a point-to-point, he got off the mark on the racecourse at the third attempt with an emphatic display at Leopardstown last time.
Positively handled by David Casey, Prince Of Fire made all the running to beat Grey Soldier by four lengths.
The bare form is ordinary, even accepting that Grey Soldier chased home the impressive Rite Of Passage at Leopardstown on Sunday.
There was a lot to like about the manner in which Prince Of Fire went about his business, though, and he is readily preferred to the far more experienced, Un Hinged.
Willie Mullins’ up-and-coming young horses seem well below the high standard we have come to expect, but his Kerb Appeal could be still good enough in the Bumper.
He was outpaced by Philip Fenton’s Old Charm at Cork, beaten four lengths, and may be better suited by this far stiffer track!
