Tough task for Loughanelteen
Rothwell’s eight-year-old is set to take his chance in the valuable two-mile event, for which he is a 14-1 chance with Paddy Power.
The County Wicklow trainer reports Loughanelteen, a winner of four races over obstacles, to be in fine fettle - even though he was last seen trailing home 14th of 21 runners in the Durkan New Homes Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day.
But Rothwell, who is hoping to book in-form jockey Davy Russell for the ride, admits he would still be surprised if the gelding is capable of winning such a hot encounter.
“We’ve got nothing to lose,” he said. “But I wouldn’t back the horse at 14-1 as I think it’s a wide-open Pierse Hurdle.
“I don’t think there’s anything with a whole lot of quality and that’s why I believe my own horse has a small each-way chance.
“But I couldn’t possibly say he has a winning chance because I don’t think he’s good enough to win a Pierse Hurdle.
“I think he’s back to his best though and I think he’ll run very well,” said Rothwell.
Meanwhile, Andrew Thornton is convinced Sir Rembrandt can make a mockery of the recent formbook by winning the totesport Classic Chase at Warwick tomorrow.
The 10-year-old has been disappointing this season, but showed glimpses of his true ability in the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow on December 27.
Robert Alner’s gelding was bang in contention in the Grade Three event only to lose his chance when he and Thornton fell five fences from home.
Prior to the Welsh National, Sir Rembrandt had been pulled up on his last three outings at Aintree, Cheltenham and Haydock.
Thornton is convinced he is finally back on the upgrade, however, and will be well primed to launch a bold bid at the weekend.
“Sir Rembrandt’s grand and came out of his fall none the worse,” said Thornton, who has ridden the horse in 19 of his 22 races.
“I think Warwick will suit him and he wouldn’t be running if he wasn’t in form.
“The ground will work for him and he’s also good at left-handed tracks.
“He also does well in these extended contests because he only really gets going in the last half mile.”
Sir Rembrandt is currently a 12-1 chance with the sponsors to land the three-mile-five-furlong event, for which 13 runners have been declared, including top weight and favourite Joaaci.
Martin Pipe’s improving six-year-old, who will carry 11st 12lb, is a general 20-1 chance for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
Pipe also runs Control Man, while recent Haydock winner Double Honour takes his chance for Philip Hobbs.
Nigel Twiston-Davies is represented by Shardam, but not last year’s winner Baron Windrush, who misses the race after developing an infection.
Paul Nicholls has left in 25-length Newbury winner Eurotrek, while Nick Williams will give Dead-Eyed Dick, who has won three of his last four races, another chance to shine at the Warwickshire venue.
Alan King’s Crystal D’Ainay, Glen Warrior and Artic Jack, who finished second behind Double Honour at Haydock, also line up. Victory Gunner, Granit D´Estruval and Kittenkat complete the field.
