Joy for Harrington as Macs outspeeds rivals
A moderate third previously behind Harchibald and Back In Front in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown, Jessica Harrington’s charge left that effort firmly behind.
“The race at Punchestown came too sooon after he had won in the north”, said Harrington “I was a bit worried about the ground, but he jumped brilliantly today.”
Solerina made a brave attempt from the front, but we now know for sure that she is simply not as good at two miles as she is over two and a half.
She tried to burn off her rivals, but was always going a stride too quick, after throwing some extravagant leaps.
The writing was on the wall when Hardy Eustace headed the seven-year-old going to the second last. She fought back, to her credit, and was still in contention off the home turn.
But she just couldn’t cope, as Barry Geraghy eased the impressive Macs Joy to the front. Hardy Eustace wanted to go with him, but found little for pressure and it was left to the tough Brave Inca to chase the winner home.
Commented Harrington: “He was really good. I entered him this morning in the AIG at Leopardstown, but would like to go for the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury.
“I suppose that plan isn’t realistic now, but we will have to see what the handicapper does. The Champion Hurdle is the plan.”
Reported Geraghty: “I was always happy, he has loads of pace. I felt we weren’t going fast enough and the further we went the better he got.”
Arguably, Brave Inca ran the best trial for the Champion Hurdle. He certainly proved his liking for Cheltenham in March when roaring up the hill to land the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Said trainer, Colm Murphy: “He was the first horse off the bridle, I am absolutely delighted. He jumped well and I couldn’t be happier. This wasn’t his ground and he will now head for the AIG.”
Dessie Hughes was less than happy with Hardy Eustace. He felt, coming into the race, that his champion had come on a bundle for his first run of the season behind Solerina at Navan.
“I am disappointed, he just didn’t spark.
“He had every chance, but didn’t find from the last. Maybe, he’s a spring horse and will now run in the AIG.”
Ladbrokes reacted by tightening Harchibald to 3-1, from 7-2, for the Champion Hurdle. They bet: 3-1 Harchibald, 5-1 Back In Front, 6-1 Accordion Etoile, 8-1 Macs Joy (from 20-1), 10-1 Hardy Eustace (from 6-1). 12-1 bar.
go 7-2 Harchibald and 7-1 Back In Front. They eased Hardy Eustace to 8-1, from 11-2, and hammered Macs Joy into 10-1 from 25’s. They left Brave Inca at 12-1.
offer 7-1 Macs Joy, from 16’s, and it’s 100-30 Harchibald, 8-1 Hardy Eustace and 12-1 Brave Inca.
