Folsom Blue out to give Mouse Morris famous hat-trick
Rogue Angel set the ball rolling for the popular trainer with victory in the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday, before Morris was reduced to tears once more as Rule The World claimed Grand National glory at Aintree last Saturday.
Morris considered letting Rogue Angel bid for a major double in this weekend’s Coral Scottish Grand National, but he will not be making the trip.
As a result, Folsom Blue, who was beaten just over six lengths into fourth by his stable companion at Fairyhouse two-and-a-half weeks ago, will be the trainer’s sole representative - provided he makes the cut.
Morris said: “Folsom Blue will run, all being well. He needs a couple to come out to get in, but hopefully he will.
“We’ve decided to wait for Punchestown with Rogue Angel.”
- Kevin Ryan is looking to start The Grey Gatsby in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh.
The consistent five-year-old failed to score last season but ran some brave races in defeat, including when beaten just a short head in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes by Free Eagle at Royal Ascot.
He was also second to Golden Horn in the Eclipse and ran with credit in the Juddmonte International as well as chasing home Solow in Dubai, but Ryan decided not to send him to Meydan this year.
“He is in good form and we are looking to start him in Ireland,” said Ryan.
“He didn’t go to Dubai this year, but from Ascot onwards there is a Group One every month for him. I would love to take him to the Breeders’ Cup at the end of the year, all being well.
“He can’t be as unlucky as last year as it seemed everywhere we went had soft ground.
“It was great being in Dubai last year as it was a great occasion, but starting him that bit later gives us a better chance to get him right for the end of the year.
“He will have two options at Ascot, the Hardwicke and the mile and quarter race (Prince of Wales’s). We will make our minds up after Ireland, but if we don’t go there we will keep options open.
“He has not lost his speed but we would like to step him up at some stage. This will be his last year.”
- Ante-post favourite Minding is the star name among 61 entries for the Investec Oaks at Epsom.
The daughter of Galileo claimed back-to-back Group One prizes in the Moyglare Stud Stakes and the Fillies’ Mile last season and heads the betting for both the Oaks on June 3 and the Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 1.
Minding is one of 16 entries for Aidan O’Brien, who has saddled five previous winners of the mile-and-a-half Classic.
