Cloone River set for Roscommon return

Leading Arkle Trophy hope Cloone River looks set to reappear at Roscommon next Monday following the rescheduling of today’s abandoned meeting.

The Galway Hurdle winner had been due to have his third start over the bigger obstacles in the Grade Three Kilbegnet Novice Chase but waterlogging has put paid to that plan.

“I’d say that’s good news but it will depend on the weather. When they called an inspection last night it was becoming very doubtful whether we would run or not,” said James Nolan, assistant trainer to his brother Paul.

“The November meeting at Cheltenham is certainly a possibility after that but a lot will depend on ground conditions at home. There’s also a Grade Two chase at Punchestown the same weekend but if it was soft at home and good at Cheltenham, he’d go to Cheltenham.

“The Arkle is his main target for the season and it would be great for him to go over there and get the experience. We were disappointed it was called off today but it might be the best thing in hindsight with the ground being so bad.”

Cloone River is unbeaten over fences, scoring with the minimum of fuss at both Tralee and Galway, impressing with his jumping in the process.

“We were going to give him a break after Galway but he’s in such good shape there’s no reason to,” Nolan added.

“He takes his racing very well and is just an easy horse to train – he’s a dream to have. He jumps fast and quick and wastes no time in the air. He’s rated in the high 80s on the Flat and if we had kept him on the level he would probably have ended up Listed or Group class.

“We’re very pleased with him and, if he is in as good a shape as he is now, it’s a big possibility he will end up at Cheltenham in November, although if it is good at home it will be hard to travel.”

The Un Desperado gelding is a 16-1 chance for the Arkle with totesport. Fresh entries for Roscommon will close by midday on Wednesday.