C’MON MY SON
Gelding ready to open hurdling account
BEATEN favourite in the race last year, Monbeg Worldwide should land the Meath Novice Hurdle on today’s seven-race card in Fairyhouse.
The six-year-old Lucarno gelding represents Gigginstown House Stud and Gordon Elliott and, despite reservations about the quick ground, Monbeg Worldwide should open his hurdling account, at the fourth attempt, in race which saw him chase home Jetz last year.
A three-time bumper winner, all in testing conditions, Monbeg has been a beaten favourite on each of his three hurdle starts. But he looked in need of the run and a longer trip when fifth to Choungaya on his seasonal debut, over two miles, at Tipperary last month.
Today’s contest, in which the two other Gigginstown runners look the likely placefodder, is a good opportunity for Monbeg Worldwide to hit the target, although we won’t see the best of him until he tackles fences and staying distances next season.
Davy Russell will partner Monbeg Worldwide today while Jack Kennedy will hope to initiate an Elliott/ Gigginstown double on Flat To The Max in the opening Winter Festival 3-Y-0 Maiden Hurdle.
Successful in a Navan maiden on his only outing for Ger Lyons on the flat, in April, this fellow started favourite for his hurdling bow at Ballinrobe also in April but blotted his copybook by unseating Kennedy at the first in a race won by Chica Buena.
The French-bred son of Maxios looks the type to do well in this discipline and, prominent when he made his exit in Ballinrobe, he has obvious claims today.
Dangers include Paul Nolan’s ex-jim Bolger-trained filly Dawn Hoofer, third behind solid yardsticks Chief Justice and Our Legend on her hurdling debut at Gowran Park.
The
John Mcconnell-trained
Go Another One has been campaigning with credit in
Britain in recent outings and, runner-up to compatriot
Canardier at Cheltenham last week, he sets the standard in the www.fairyhouse.ie Hurdle.
Donie Mcinerney’s mount prefaced that effort with wins at Stratford and Kelso. And he’s preferred to Gordon Elliott’s seasonal debutant Roaring Bull.