JAZZ TUNED UP
...but is Harrington’s Meadow ready to Forge path to victory
GORDON Elliott’s Mick Jazz takes a drop in class for the Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran Park.
It was Mick Jazz who took advantage of Faugheen’s no-show at Leopardstown over Christmas and he went on to finish a fine third in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle behind Supasundae.
However, while he may look the form pick, his task is made harder by being forced to give away upwards of 9lb in weight to all of his rivals, which include in-form Jessica Harrington-trained mare Forge Meadow.
She has been denied by two Willie Mullins inmates in her last two outings, Let’s Dance and Sandsend, and looks sure to go well again.
‘She’s a very consistent mare and was a little unlucky not to win last time, she just got run out of it,’ said her partner Robbie Power.
‘It looks like she might have a tall order against Mick Jazz but she loves heavy ground and it’s worth having a go.
‘The last day at Naas she just got collared close home having looked like winning, but we know conditions won’t bother her so hopefully she can run a big race.’
Mullins this time runs two against her, with former smart juvenile hurdler Abbyssial returning to action after over 1,000 days off.
‘It’s great to get Abbyssial back on the track. He’s in good order, but he is quite a big horse and I’m sure he’ll come on for the run,’ said assistant trainer Patrick Mullins.
Lagostovegas has won her last two over hurdles and showed improved form on the level when last seen, finishing third in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket and second in a Listed race at Naas.
‘Lagostovegas probably won’t be in love with the ground, but she’s well-in at the weights and hopefully she can pick up some more black type and more prize money,’ added Mullins.
Henry de Bromhead runs former Fighting Fifth Hurdle winner Identity Thief and Arcenfete who, despite disappointing on his Irish debut remains entered in the Champion Hurdle.
Michael Mulvany’s On The Go Again completes the field.