Super Mac may get Osana call
Owner Thomas Barr used Pipe’s stable jockey Tom Scudamore at the Cheltenham Festival last year when the partnership lost out by a length to Katchit, after which they again filled the runner-up berth at Aintree.
Paddy Brennan then got the leg-up for the seven-year-old’s seasonal bow at Sandown last month but Irishman McNamara, who is stable jockey to Edward O’Grady, is now in the frame for the ride.
He said: “I was over at Mr Pipe’s earlier this week. The owner has a horse with Edward O’Grady (Bringbackthebiff), and has three with Mr Pipe.
“I rode the three of them and they all felt great and fresh.
“Obviously if I did happen to get the ride on Osana, it would be a lovely ride to get. But if Catch Me were to run I would be riding him for Mr O’Grady.”
Pipe confirmed: “Andrew came down and schooled and rode work on Osana, and I’m now waiting to hear from Mr Barr.”
McNamara rode in last year’s Champion and finished an eased down last of 14 runners aboard 2-1 favourite Sizing Europe.
Osana is just 8-1 for the Champion with Blue Square and Victor Chandler, and Pipe has been delighted with his progress after his defeat at the hands of Celestial Halo at Sandown.
Pipe continued: “Binocular is the one to beat but this fellow hopefully will give him a race.
“He came back in late this year and took a long time to get right but he is in good form now. He got tired coming home at Sandown but has come on for that. Going back to Cheltenham will suit him, as will an end-to-end gallop.
