Course specialist The Fonze strikes again
The nine-year-old, recording his third course win, took command at the second last fence before beating Anothercoppercoast by four lengths with joint-favourite Snowy Morning third on a day when the meeting beat the arctic weather conditions after two inspections, thanks primarily to the foresight and dedication of Clerk of the Course Paddy Graffin, track Manager Sue Phelan and Chairman of the Stewards Nick Lambert.
The Doyle/Barry combination, successful with Sciatin and Without The Bop on Thursday, also clicked with Chebona Bula on a day when the trainer commented: “The horses weren’t right for a long time and I stopped running them. But this proves that they’re back.”
He added: “The Fonze loves it around here and, although Shay said he was hating the ground at the top of the hill, he picked up well going to the second last. I suppose he’ll be rated close to 150 after this. I don’t know where to go with him. I’d love to find an opportunity for him at Cheltenham, in one of the handicaps.”
Doyle also has thoughts of Cheltenham for Chebona Bula, which celebrated his fourth birthday by outpointing his elders in the David Flynn Construction Handicap Hurdle.
Produced to challenge on the inside at the second last flight, the well-backed 5/2 favourite was soon in command under a rejuvenated Shay Barry, stretching clear to beat chief marker rival Night Spark by four lengths.
“He’s a good little horse,” declared Doyle. “He jumps and travels well and might be a horse for the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, although he’d probably have to go up a bit more to get into it. He’ll have a bit of a break, to freshen him up, before we head there.”
Sharing the riding honours and starting 2010 with a bang was Davy Russell, successful on Grand Lahou and Pagan Magic in the chase action.
Seasonal debutant Grand Lahou, third to Beroni in the corresponding race last year, made all to win the Kent Bros Beginners Chase from Echo Bob.
The winner is trained by Arthur Moore, who was not present but Russell said: “He’s a horse that came to the yard with a big reputation. He had plenty of work done and was fit and ready. He did it well.”
Russell followed-up when bringing Pagan Magic from last to first to pip Bemo Two in the Tom Carroll Memorial Handicap Chase, giving trainer Andy Slattery his second success at the two-day meeting.
“He won on the flat here for Tom McCourt,” explained Slattery. “And Martin (owner Martin Brennan), a neighbour of mine, decided to send the horse to me. Davy Condon rode him in Thurles and gave us the key to him – to drop him out and get him switched-off and it’s paid off.
“Ideally, he wants better ground and would appreciate three miles but he’ll run again at Thurles on Thursday before having a break.”
Pat Flynn declared: “I’m thrilled to start 2010 with a winner,” after seeing the Stephen Gray-ridden Binocular land the New Years Day At Tramore Maiden Hurdle at the expense of Chasse Spleen, representing the in form Doyle/Barry partnership. “He’s a hardy little horse and always gives a good account of himself,” added Flynn. “I have no idea where he’ll go next.”
Kusadasi made all to win the Make Racing At Tramore Your New Year Resolution Maiden Hurdle for Eamonn ‘Dusty’ Sheehy and Mick Darcy, keeping Lascalahall at bay in the closing stages.
