APPLE JADED
APPLE’S JADE is having an “easy week” in the wake of her impressive hat-trick victory in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse on
Sunday.
Trainer Gordon Elliott confirmed yesterday his star mare had “pulled her near fore shoe” en route to her 20 lengths defeat of Supasundae, her eighth Grade 1 success.
This situation caused a minor foot injury, which caused Elliott to give the six-year-old a break in her routine. But he is optimistic she’ll be ready to defend her crown in the Grade 1 Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle, over three miles, at Leopardstown on December 28, when she could face Faugheen.
Elliott, inset, speaking at the launch of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival at his Cullentra House base, said: “She just didn’t shine in Cheltenham and Punchestown in the spring, but wasn’t beaten far. And it’s unbelievable she’s only six and has won eight Grade 1’s.”
And, reflecting on Samcro’s defeat by Buveur D’air in the Fighting Fifth on Saturday he added: “Samcro ran his heart out, but was beaten by a very, very good horse, a long way clear of the Supreme winner.
“If we were ever going to beat him, it was on Saturday. And it’s going to be hard to turn the tables on him. But they say you should never be afraid of one horse. And it’s a long time until March.”
Samcro will bid for a first win of the season in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 29.
Elliott warned ante-post punters Malone Road, impressive winner of bumpers at Down Royal and Punchestown in recent weeks and favourite for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, has met with a setback.
“He picked-up a knee injury,” said Elliott.
“It’s not careerthreatening. But I’m not sure when he’ll be back.” Like many trainers, Elliott is waiting for rain. And he hopes to run Don Poli, top of the 28 acceptors, in Sunday’s Becher Chase, over the Grand National fences, in Aintree, ground permitting.
Noble Endeavour is another intended runner for Elliott in the Becher while Smiling Eliza will contest the listed Racing UK Fillies Juvenile Hurdle on Sunday’s Aintree card.
He would also welcome rain for Shattered Love’s planned bid for the Grade 1 John Durkan Chase at Punchestown on Sunday and explained: “Her next run, probably in the Durkan will tell us what road we’ll be taking with her. After Sunday, she’ll go to Leopardstown over Christmas. And I can see her running a big race in a Gold Cup.”
Meanwhile, Mengli Khan, “bouncing” after his chase debut win at Punchestown last week, and stable-companion Ben Dundee, which also won his beginners at Punchestown, are on course for the Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade 1) at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day.
And Elliott revealed his Royal Ascot scorer Pallasator is set to make his chasing debut at Leopardstown over Christmas.