COLIN’S LUST FOR VICTORY
RECORD-BREAKER Colin Keane, on his way to setting a remarkable seasonal tally, might strike again on top-weight Lust in the Lengthen Your Odds With Betvictor Handicap on today’s additional card in Gowran Park.
Keane reached the 132-winner mark for the domestic campaign when landing the listed Bluebell Stakes in Naas on Thunder Kiss yesterday, like Lust, trained by Ger Lyons for Newtown Anner Stud Farm. And dual winner Lust, proven in soft ground, looks his best chance of adding
to his growing tally today.
A Fastnet Rock half-brother to stable-companion Maker Of Kings, impressive winner of the Group 3 Concorde in heavy ground in Tipperary two weeks ago, Lust won a seven furlong maiden at today’s venue in April and, fifth to Emphatic Answer (runner-up in a listed event in Naas yesterday) at Killarney in May, bounced back to land a seven-furlong Curragh handicap, off 84, 10 days later, outpointing Liffey River.
Lust was then off the track until late August, when he was sent off at 11/1 for the Irish Cambridgeshire. But having raced prominently, he faded to finish a well-beaten 22nd behind Bopedro.
The Glenburnie gelding has yet to win over a mile, which is a slight concern. But he handles soft ground well and will find today’s calmer waters, against his three-year-old peers, an easier task than tackling battle-hardened campaigners in the Cambridgeshire. And, even under 10-0, he should be tough to beat, with New Hill and Stellar Spirit among the likely dangers.
The John Mcconnell-trained Fennor Cross and Pat Turley’s Dunum, separated by three-quarters of a length in a recent Thurles handicap, have obvious claims in the later 45-65 handicap action.
Raised a total of 10lb for wins at this track and Thurles, Fennor Cross should appreciate the step-up to an extended nine furlongs and can complete a hat-trick in the finale, the second division of the Betvictor Casino Handicap.
Earlier, the consistent but frustrating Dunum, runner-up in his last three starts and wearing first-time cheekpieces, might finally get his head in front in a division of the Get A Run For Your Money Betvictor 3-Y-0 Handicap.