Crowley cautious about Nil Desperandum
A useful but lightly-raced novice chaser in the early part of last term, the seven-year-old picked up the Grade One Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse in terrific style exactly a year ago before being ruled out until April from an overreach sustained during that race.
Mrs Crowley would have liked to have got a run into him, but various other problems have conspired against her, and although Nil Desperandum is well-weighted on 10st 8lb, he has not been seen since his last of four to Lord Sam at the Punchestown Festival.
“He is great and he travelled over well yesterday,” said the Curragh-based trainer.
“I would prefer for him to have one under his belt but he is as fit as I can get him, as he is not a stuffy horse and is quite easy to get fit, although he would be better for a run.
“He was in at Gowran in October but he got a stone bruise which stopped him. I then wanted to run him in Down Royal this month for the Champion Chase, but his blood was all wrong.
“However, he is fit and he can give a good account of himself.”
Timmy Murphy feels confident of adding to his 1999 Hennessy Gold Cup success on Ever Blessed when he takes the mount of ante-post favourite Celestial Gold.
The Irishman was on board the six-year-old two weeks ago when they took victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham, and, if the horse can land the £120,000 showpiece event, he will complete a rare big-race double that has not been achieved since Bright Highway in 1980.
“It was a great feeling to win in 1999 but I don’t want to settle for just one win in the race and I think I’ve got a great chance,” said Murphy.
“The race will be run at a good pace and they say he’s a real stayer. If we get a clear run we should be thereabouts.”
Another live contender is the imposing grey Lord Transcend, who will bid to defy his inexperience when he has just his second start over fences against more battle-hardened rivals in the showpiece handicap.
The seven-year-old ran.
Francois Doumen’s veteran First Gold heads the weights on 11st 12lb and aside from making his British handicap debut, is having his first run since April so his trainer is realistic about his chances.
“He works well and is very fresh,” said Doumen.
“He has done a lot of work, but will feel the weight.
“He is capable of running well, but the reason I ran him in the race is because I wanted to see him run.”
