Elliott’s Phoenix from the flames
GORD’S NEW CHARGE CAN END LOSING RUN
RUNNER-UP on his recent Irish debut over course and distance, Doctor Phoenix might be capable of defying top-weight in the corkracecourse.ie Handicap Chase in Cork tomorrow. Now in the care of Gordon Elliott, who is in phenomenal form, the nine-year-old must end a long losing run, stretching back two years.
But he won twice over hurdles (at Newcastle and Uttoxeter) and twice over fences (Lingfield and Haydock) when trained by David Dennis in England.
And there was a lot to like about his first start for the Elliott team here last month when he came from off the pace to chase home comfortable winner Ballyoisin, a classy performer at his best, in a valuable Grade B handicap.
That was the Dr Massini gelding’s first outing since February, so he’ll strip fitter tomorrow. And, raised just 2lb for his recent effort, Jack Kennedy’s mount should make a bold bid to defy top-weight of 11-10.
The opening maiden hurdle has been won by some smart sorts in recent seasons and promises to be informative again.
Gordon Elliott runs hurdling debutant MANAMITE, a dual-winner on the flat in France, while Willie Mullins relies on another French import MARY SUN.
But I’ll side with the Noel Meade-trained CASK MATE, a smooth winner at Ballinrobe before bumping into the useful Felix Desjy in a winners’ bumper at Down Royal.
He looks a promising recruit to hurdling and, with Jonathan Moore in the saddle, might make his race fitness count.
In the other maiden hurdle, locally-trained dual bumper-winner ARTICULUM, off the track since April 2016, might be worth support, if the market speaks in his favour.