Side with Sorolla to overcome bout of seconditis
The son of Danehill is proving costly and frustrating, but there is no reason to doubt his honesty and he remains a promising colt.
Sorolla started his campaign when touched off by Chariots Of Fire here in April and was then beaten a neck by the useful Consul General at Limerick.
His latest effort was, however, his best to date. That came at Gowran Park when the selection went down by three parts of a length to Eyshal.
The form has been working out nicely. Eyshal went on to take third to Creachadoir in a Group 3 at the Curragh while the third and sixth at Gowran, Mamlook and Rajnagan respectively, have both scored in the meantime.
Biggest worry is Dermot Weld’s once-raced Flexible Friend. He was reportedly very highly regarded prior to his debut at Gowran back in October.
Flexible Friend went off favourite, but struggled home in sixth spot behind La Conquistadora.
Conditions were atrocious that day and, as another son of Danehill, he will surely be much more at home on this better surface.
Scupio, who has shown definite signs of temperament in two runs to date, is given the benefit of the doubt in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden.
He certainly didn’t go through with his effort at Navan on his latest appearance when beaten a short head by Lufuar.
Scupio, however, has been given a decent break and now swerves heavy ground for the first time.
Phelans Fancy, rated 7lbs below main rival Lugante, gets the nod in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Mares Chase.
She will arrive in good shape, following a decent effort over fences at Punchestown and a victory over flights at Limerick.
