Marnane sets sights on Curragh prize

David Marnane is hoping to land his second big win on successive Saturdays when Maal lines up for the Land Rover Premier Handicap at the Curragh this weekend.

Rain Rush and Maundy Money gave the County Tipperary trainer a notable one-two in the Leopardstown Pavilion September Handicap on Irish Champion Stakes day, and now he is targeting Maal at the 10-furlong contest on a card featuring the Irish Field St Leger.

“Maal has won three times this year, he’ll handle the ground really well, the trip and everything is perfect for him,” said Marnane.

“He’s one of those horses who seems to be improving throughout the year.

“He’s gone up 20lb since his first win. His most impressive win was last time out in Cork and I think he’ll go close at the Curragh if he gets a bit of cover.”

Neither Rain Rush or Maundy Money are likely to rest on their laurels following their latest efforts.

“Both ran crackers. We couldn’t divide them at home and there wasn’t much between them on the track,” he continued.

“That was a good boost and was our 20th winner this year. The season’s gone really well.

“Maundy Money might go to Chester on the 27th for a handicap there. We have an enthusiastic bunch of owners and we’ve always fancied having a runner there.

“He’ll have two more runs, probably ending up in a handicap at Dundalk at the backend and be put away for the year.

“The valuable mile handicap in Galway is one of the options for him next year.

“Rain Rush gone up to a rating of 101 now, so we’ll just have to see. He’ll also probably run at Dundalk. I think we’ll be looking at a couple of Listed races for him in the future.”

Marnane is looking to give Sasicha, a two-year-old daughter of Montjeu, her racecourse debut in the near future.

The filly, who is a half-sister to triple Group Three winner and Classic-placed Carribean Sunset, holds an entry in the Parnasilla Hotel Goffs Fillies Million at the Curragh on September 28.

“We’re just hoping to get a run into her before then and see where we are with her,” he added.