Irish preview: El Fabiolo can get back to winning ways

Swing Davis ought to make the most of a gilt-edged opportunity in Mares’ Maiden Hurdle

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025 - 02:58

Tommy Lyons

El Fabiolo has a superb opportunity to get back to winning ways when he lines up for the Grade Two BoyleSports Webster Cup Chase, the sixth race on Saturday afternoon’s card in Navan.

Willie Mullins’ runner made his belated seasonal debut in the Grade 1 Dublin Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival, but his bid got no further than the second fence.

Nevertheless, it was somewhat encouraging that he was so well backed in such a hot race for what was his first start since April, suggesting he was forward enough to do himself justice at that level. This race represents a significant drop in grade and while he didn’t derive any great experience from the last outing, he has had almost four weeks to advance his well-being.

Most of his form from last year would be good enough to win this and Paul Townend, who is back in the saddle, can nurse his mount around and onto victory.

Stablemate Grangeclare West, who ran a superb race to finish second to Galopin Des Champs in a slowly run Irish Gold Cup, won’t be inconvenienced by the drop in trip and can take the runner-up spot.

Townend and Mullins can also take the Grade Three Flyingbolt Novice Chase with Champ Kiely. Last time out, he found Grade One company beyond him but ran well for a long way before fading back to finish fourth of the five runners.

That was over almost two and three-quarter miles and while two miles may be sharp enough, this is not a strong-looking renewal, and he can get away with it. What’s Up Darling, though better suited by quicker conditions, can deny the imposing Jeannot Lapin the runner-up spot.

Swing Davis ought to make the most of a gilt-edged opportunity in the Pick Your Places At Boylesports Mares’ Maiden Hurdle. A faller last time, she was beaten at odds-on on her previous outing but running to that level ought to be enough in this company.

On Sunday’s card in Leopardstown, Union Station can get off the mark over fences by taking the Dublin National Handicap Chase. Gavin Cromwell’s six-year-old didn’t finish out of the first four in five outings over hurdles but, frustratingly, he never managed to get his head in front.

He had his focus switched to chasing in early January but was well beaten in fourth place behind Quai De Bourbon. Dropped back to what looked like a more manageable assignment in Clonmel, he was well backed to finally get off the mark, but his late progress wasn’t enough to overhaul My Gaffer.

That was over two and a half miles, and this is a completely different test, being a three-and-a-half-mile race. However, he is from the family of Tidal Bay, who won the Whitbread Gold Cup, and extreme stamina test should bring about plenty of improvement.

He has plenty of weight to carry, but his mark of 120 is more than manageable, and he is preferred to fellow topweight Iris Emery, whose best form came over three miles when runner-up to subsequent Grade One winner Croke Park in a beginners’ chase. He has also been frustrating to follow, Thedevilscoachman can get back to winning ways in the Quinnbet Hurdle. The nine-year-old made his return in late January, in the Grade Two Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park, and found only the young and progressive Rocky’s Diamond too good.

On the back of that, he went to the Grade Two Boyne Hurdle in Navan and again filled the runner-up, this time behind the teak-tough Maxxum. He is a nine-year-old now and probably not one for big stakes, but the race is replete with capable but frustrating sorts, and his recent form looks the most reliable.

NAVAN (Saturday)

Tommy Lyons

1:00 Positive Energy

1:35 Swing Davis (nb)

2:10 Johnny Blue

2:45 Sermandzarak

3:20 Champ Kiely

3:50 El Fabiolo (nap)

4:20 Theonewedreamedof

4:55 Pebble Bleu

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