Serene may not be ready to rumble

THE guessing game goes on and for owner Eddie Ryan and trainer Michael O'Donovan it must be a frustrating time as Serene Rumble remains on the doubtful list for Saturday’s Paddy Power Derby quarter finals at Shelbourne Park.

Every owner and trainer dreams of having a Derby contender but when you own one of the favourites and see him hobble off the track after maintaining an unbeaten record in the third round, the frustration must be extreme. The latest report from owner Ryan was that no final decision would be made until tomorrow but the voice did not ring of confidence.

The irony is that Serene Rumble is clearly struggling on the bends but is absolutely flying on the straights. He would have a relatively handy task in the opening heat on Saturday where he is likely to have the freedom of Shelbourne on the outside with a field of five wide seeds in opposition. All this makes the decision even more difficult.