Star’s big weight worries Fitzgerald
The Irishman came in for a wonderful spare ride when trainer Michael Halford was unable to call upon the services of Ruby Walsh, who has been aboard for the gelding’s recent emphatic successes at Punchestown and Cheltenham.
“It is a good ride but I’d prefer it if the horse didn’t have 24lb more on his back,” said Fitzgerald.
“I know he won well, but that’s a steep rise and there are not too many horses that have won the Ladbroke with top weight.
“He is a decent horse and Michael does not bring them over here for a day out, he feels the horse has a good chance tomorrow so let’s wait and see – it’s a good prize.
“He’s a Listed winner on the Flat on decent ground, and although I don’t know much about the horse apart from what I’ve seen, he looks pretty good.”
Fitzgerald will be competing against his long-time friend and regular trainer Nicky Henderson, who saddles the red-hot favourite Tarlac, the mount of Tony McCoy as he runs in the colours of JP McManus.
Fitzgerald respects his rival and added: “Tony is retained by JP and I’ve never ridden Tarlac in a race so I can’t comment on him.
“He was a good winner last time and it is different ground conditions, which won’t bother him, and he’s a progressive young horse, which he’ll need to be.”
McCoy believes Tarlac may have been flattered by his latest success over this course and distance a month ago.
“I’m certainly looking forward to riding him but they did go off too fast in front in his last race,” said the champion jockey.
“He only beat Fait Le Jojo and he was claimed out of Philip Hobbs’ yard three years ago and not many horses improve when they leave Philip Hobbs.
“I really fancied Tarlac for the Imperial Cup last season, but he couldn’t win that and he is much higher in the weights tomorrow in what looks a better race.
“Mick’s horse (Tipperary All Star) was very impressive last time, but he does have a lot of weight to carry for a novice.”
Irish trainer Adrian McGuinness has serious reservations about the ground for Victram, who has been seen over hurdles just twice since his victory at Sandown last March.
However, he won on his latest start at Down Royal, coming late and fast to score narrowly.
“I have him in great form and he’s travelled over well, but I would prefer an ease in the ground,” said McGuinness.
“I am not really worried that he has more weight now, as the way he runs, he’s only ever going to win narrowly. There’s a stiff finish at Ascot, which will help, and he will be held up again. Tarlac and Tipperary All Star will be held up too, but my main concern is the ground.”
