Freedom victory a step in the right direction
I was absolutely thrilled with the way he battled like hell up the hill after the last. He had shown that he was still a bit green at Punchestown last month but Robert said that running against such experienced horses stood to him.
So there were a whole lot of positives. He would definitely have preferred a quicker gallop, but he’ll get it in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and that’s the target now. He’s going to take a break because I think he’s done enough. He’s been on the go all summer.
He may have one run before Cheltenham but he may not either. I think he’ll improve a lot for that yesterday and the dream is still alive.
Looking back to Down Royal last Saturday, Bostons Angel unseating Robert was just one of those things. He’s normally such a reliable jumper but he made a bad mistake five out and gave Robert no chance.
He was going fine, a little bit off the bridle, but that’s the usual with him. The way they finished would have suited him down to the ground. It’s just a pity. He came out of it fine though and is like a lunatic. So we might bring him to the John Durkan, or maybe to Sandown for an intermediate chase.
Like most of mine first time out, Saludos needed his race but he galloped all the way to the line so I think he stayed the two-and-a-half miles alright and will reappear today in Naas against Quel Esprit. That’s no easy task, but he will have come on for that run quite a bit I’d say. We’ll see where we go after today but we’ll take everything we can and today is an opportunity.
We were thrilled with Play The Market in the bumper. He’s a giant, a chaser in the making, but he’s only a four-year-old. He improved again though and he’s really showing that he’s got a bit of spark.
It was nice to have an across-the-cards double at Leopardstown and Cork on Sunday. I had fancied Backbench Blues but he looked an unlikely winner at the furlong pole. He came home really strongly though to win by a neck.
The trip was too short and the ground was too tacky for him so I think he’s going to turn out to be a very nice horse next year. He also got me to the 30-winner mark again for the flat campaign — the same as last year. It’s a nice landmark to reach and, when you consider that I had double the amount of seconds this year with 38, and around €150,000 more prize money, you’d have to be happy with the season.
I was delighted with Jetson, who won on his first run for us. Two-and-a-half miles suited really well as he ran on strongly and just did everything right. He aims now for the Monksfield Grade 2 at Navan at the end of the month.
Hurricane Ridge was outclassed in what was a very good Listed race but he will win races in his own class, while I was very pleased with Cinder Rua in the bumper, as she would definitely have needed the run and will be out again in about fortnight again.
I expect Serein to run a big race in the maiden hurdle at Naas. He seems to have come back to himself and that would be enough to be in contention here. Galzig also runs but will need it. He is a nice horse and will be fine next time I’d say.
Mystic Desir is interesting in the Listed hurdle. He is another recent addition to the yard, having been bought from France. It was a learning curve the last day when we made most of the running before tiring. He would have needed the run but he’s going to be dropped in today.
It’s a strong race, with Sailors Warn, who was second to Steps To Freedom in Punchestown, and Unaccompanied taking part but we’ll know what we’re doing with Mystic Desir this time and he’s a nice horse.
Tomorrow in Navan, Born To Benefit is a lovely big filly in the maiden hurdle. She’s a chaser and this is her first time out. In the bumper, I’m happy with Beachdale Lad, who’s come on a good bit since Punchestown, but apparently Noel Meade’s horse, Formidableopponent, is well fancied.
Burn And Turn runs in her first race over flights in the Grade 3 For Auction hurdle but I think a lot of her. I’m very happy with her and I think this is quite a nice race to run in as she gets all the allowances.
Moonlight Dancer will wear cheekpieces to get him to concentrate a bit more in the ladies’ handicap hurdle in Limerick, with a British rider on board for the Britain v Ireland competition.
Jenari will hopefully win the Martinstown Opportunity maiden hurdle. He is a horse I like, whose bumper form is very good. He was beaten favourite at Galway when he jumped alright but didn’t get away from the hurdles quick enough. He didn’t have a hard race and will improve a lot for the experience.
Sarsfield’s Ride also runs, coming back from a long lay-off. He’d a good run in his first bumper last year but was a big, weak horse. He has come on a lot but will definitely need the run.
