Geraghty still puzzled by Macs Gowran defeat
Starting at 4-9, he could never get in a blow at the two mile Champion Chaser, going under by eight lengths.
“We were delighted with him when making his seasonal debut in the AIG at Leopardstown”, reported Geraghty.
Macs Joy finished three lengths and the same third behind Hardy Eustace and Brave Inca and looked to have the most scope for improvement of the trio.
“I came away from Leopardstown thinking he was an even better horse than last season, that he had improved again, and would at least get a lot closer to those two at Cheltenham.
“I felt he couldn’t get beaten at Gowran. But he was disappointing and I certainly wouldn’t blame the ground.
“The only thing we can put it down to is the bounce factor, where a horse runs badly on his second run back after a break.”
Geraghty is confident that if Macs Joy returns to his best he will go close in Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle, having only been beaten a length into second spot by Brave Inca a year ago.
“I can see him winning, if he gets back to the form he showed in the AIG. There’s no great secret to what I will be doing through the race. I’ll be waiting and trying to come late and will have a good idea what’s going to happen two out!
“I am going to have a sit on Macs Joy at Jessie’s (Harrington) on Friday morning. I’d imagine the real work is now done, otherwise we would be heading for the Curragh.”
Geraghty (27) has 11 Festival wins to his credit and will, of course, always be associated with mighty Moscow Flyer.
He has plenty other chances, headed by the Eoin Griffin-trained Lounaos in the Triumph Hurdle.
She won her first three races over flights, before producing a career-best when fourth in the AIG.
“I rate her very highly and think she is my best of the week”, said Geraghty.
“Since I started riding, I think that run in the AIG was the best performance ever by a four-year-old”
He partners favourite Cork All Star in the Bumper, but admits to concerns regarding the possibility of testing conditions.
He is more upbeat about Catch Me in the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle. He was unseated aboard the five-year-old when Edward O’Grady’s charge tried to come on the outside of Leading Run two from home in the Deloitte Hurdle at Leopardstown last time. Leading Run had constantly jumped away to his right through that contest and it wasn’t the brightest move on Geraghty’s part to attempt to challenge in that manner.
“I think he has a great chance and just hope Edward has forgotten the incident.” Unlikely, but all could yet be forgiven!
