Ross ready to strike
Tony Martin’s gelding was the subject of a major market mover for Saturday’s Tripleprint Gold Cup but his ultra-shrewd handler has opted instead to run in the Lombard Properties Chase at Prestbury Park.
He ran over fences for the first time in almost two years at Fairyhouse at the start of this month only to come down at the last when still in with a big shout.
That was an excellent effort and a decent run on the Flat at Galway in October had obviously helped his fitness.
Prior to his lay-off he had been one of the leading novice chasers in Ireland and Martin has clearly got him back to near his best.
Mick Fitzgerald, who rode him at Fairyhouse, keeps the ride as the pair bid for ample compensation.
Rhinestone Cowboy will be all the rage for the European Breeders Fund ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle as he continues his education over timber.
Jonjo O’Neill’s former high-class bumper performer absolutely hacked up on his debut over obstacles at Newbury and the sky looks to be the limit for him. His trainer is talking of keeping him to novice company this term but another facile success will see his odds for the Champion Hurdle tumble.
It Takes Time finally makes his eagerly awaited debut over fences in the Grade Two Ian Williams’ Owners Novices’ Chase.
Martin Pipe’s eight-year-old has bypassed a host of engagements in the last few weeks at lesser tracks and it is interesting that he makes his fencing bow in this company.
