HENRY’S TRIPLE BID
HENRY de Bromhead is triple-handed in his bid to claim a third successive victory in the Surehaul MercedesBenz Novice Hurdle at Clonmel.
The Knockeen-based trainer saddled subsequent Grade One-winning chaser Monalee to claim this Grade Three prize in 2017 before stablemate Chris’s Dream struck gold 12 months ago.
This year De Bromhead’s challenge is headed by Capuccimix, who made an impressive racecourse debut at Clonmel in early January and returns to Powerstown Park as a major contender in the hands of Robbie Power. He is joined by stable companions Minella Indo (Rachael Blackmore) and Cool Saint (Paul Townend).
De Bromhead said: ‘All three of them seem to be in good form so we’ll see how they go. Capuccimix won well in Clonmel the last day and we’ve been happy with him since.
‘Cool Saint won her maiden hurdle in Limerick and was going well when she fell at the last at Thurles last time.’
Willie Mullins claimed this contest on five occasions between 2011 and 2016 and this year relies on the Cheveley Park Stud-owned Allaho.
Runner-up over hurdles at Auteuil last March, the fiveyear-old was a hot favourite to make a winning start for his new connections in a Leopardstown bumper over the Christmas period — but could only finish fourth. He steps up a full mile on his return to the jumping game.
Noel Meade runs Gigginstown House Stud’s Eurobot while Moskovite won her last two races for Denis Hogan and steps up in grade in a bid to boost her value as a broodmare.
Gordon Elliott’s Swordsman, the Peter Croke-trained Vanellope and Western Victory from Colin Bowe’s yard complete the field.
Meanwhile, Native River and Presenting Percy are among 36 horses to stand their ground following the scratchings’ deadline for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Native River won the blue riband last March, and will not run again before defending his crown next month.
Presenting Percy will run this weekend in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park.