Murphy on board for Beef’s Hennessy bid
Trainer, Michael Hourigan, yesterday confirmed the progressive seven-year-old a “definite runner’’, despite the fact he has
also been left in the Dr P J Moriarty Novice ’Chase on the same programme.
“He has had no problems, no hiccups since Leopardstown at Christmas (won Ericsson ’Chase),” reported Hourigan.
That was an extraordinary performance by Beef Or Salmon, who, on only his third ever race over fences, beat Colonel Braxton by six lengths.
Colonel Braxton will renew rivalry on 5lb better terms, with Hourigan remarking: “If there is a danger then I’d imagine he’s the one.’’
Cashmans have installed Beef Or Salmon as their 7-4 market leader. They bet: 7-4 Beef Or Salmon, 7-2 Colonel Braxton, 9-2 Florida Pearl, 5-1 Rince Ri, 6-1 Harbour Pilot, 20-1 Macs Gildoran, 33-1 Be My Belle, 66-1 Good Shuil.
Paddy Power bet: 11-8 Beef Or Salmon, 7-2 Colonel Braxton, 4-1 Florida Pearl, 9-2 Harbour Pilot, 6-1 Rince Ri, 28-1 Be My Belle, 33-1 Macs Gildoran, 66-1 Good Shuil.
Ted Walsh has left both Commanche Court and Rince Ri in the Grade One event, but Commanche Court is virtually certain to miss the race.
Explained Walsh: “Rince Ri will run, but I only left Commanche Court in as a precaution. If the weather was to intervene and the race went back a week, then, maybe, Commanche Court would come into it then.’’
The Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up, to Best Mate last year, showed plenty sparkle when third behind Moscow Flyer on his seasonal debut at Punchestown on Sunday.
“I was happy with him, he didn’t have a hard time and has come out of the race real well’’, said Walsh. “He will have one more outing before Cheltenham, in either the Racing Post ‘Chase at Kempton or at Naas.’’
Willie Mullins said that both Florida Pearl and Macs Gildoran may face the starter. “Florida Pearl worked nicely this morning and is very much a possible runner’’, said Mullins. “At the moment Macs Gildoran is a runner.’’
Harbour Pilot also runs, with trainer, Noel Meade, considering putting blinkers on him for the first time.
Mouse Morris’ Foxchapel King will miss the Hennessy, however, having been left in due to an error by Horse Racing Ireland . The plan for him is to go directly to Cheltenham for the William Hill Handicap ’Chase.
Michael Bowe confirmed Solerina, 2-1 favourite with Paddy Power, a certain starter in the Grade One Deloitte and Touche Novice Hurdle.
The brilliant mare has won her last five races and the sky appears to be the limit for the six-year-old daughter of Toulon.
“She is as well as she has ever been’’, reported Bowe. “As Tom Foley might say, she is jumping out of her skin. She takes very little work and constantly has her head in the feed-pot.’’
Bowe had an upbeat bulletin on Limestone Lad, who is none the worse for the titanic battle he had with Like-A-Butterfly in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.
“He is in great order and looking forward to the Boyne Hurdle at Navan. Both horses are just so healthy right now.’’
Dessie Hughes’ Hardy Eustace, unbeaten in three races over flights, takes on Solerina, as does Michael Hourigan’s Hi Cloy.
The latter, who will also be partnered by Timmy Murphy, has a bit to find on form with the principals, but Hourigan expects a big effort.
Said Hourigan: “The fact Solerina runs will be a big help. Hi Cloy is very, very well and, with Solerina in the field, there is sure to be a good gallop and that’s what my horse wants.’’
Willie Mullins has left two in the contest, Joueur D’Estruval and Arch Stanton, and will wait until later in the week before making a decision.
Christy Roche’s Kadiskar, owned by J P McManus, will take his chance in the Deloitte and Touche. Roche spoke in glowing terms about the horse, after he had won his maiden in smooth syle at Fairyhouse in early December.
Commented McManus’ racing manager, Frank Berry: “Christy is expecting a good run, but whether he is up to it Sunday will tell.’’
Berry confirmed McManus’ Le Coudray (evens favourite with Paddy Power), also trained by Roche, as right on schedule for the Dr P J Moriarty ‘Chase.
“He’s in good form and Christy couldn’t be happier with him’’, revealed Berry. Le Coudray has, of course, been entered for the Gold Cup, as well as the SunAlliance Novices ‘Chase at Cheltenham.
“Entering him for the Gold Cup just gives us an extra option at this stage,” said Berry. “He’s a horse who has had lots of problems and if the ground doesn’t come up soft at Cheltenham he won’t be going there for any race.’’
Ballyamber will do duty for Willie Mullins in the Moriarty, but he will wait until closer to the day before deciding on Alexander Milenium and Rule Supreme.
The evergreen Dorans Pride (Richard Harding), now a 14-year-old, will throw down the gauntlet to Sheltering in the Raymond Smith Memorial Hunters ’Chase at Leopardstown.
He’s won three points in-a row, the latest at Carrigtwohill on Sunday, with trainer, Michael Hourigan, remarking: “It should be very exciting.’’
