ROLL WITH STONES
Mullins can come up Roses again
TO MORRO W’S Cross Country at Punchestown is a unique event, run over every kind of bank, hedge, wall and fence.
Certain trainers, jockeys and horses relish it while many more cower at the thought of it.
Without doubt the trainer who has enjoyed the most success here is Enda Bolger.
His horses are so well trained for this specific event that they have a huge advantage. Winner of last year’s outing,
Shady Oper ator (1.40) will be sneakily steered around by Derek O’Connor, sparing every inch as he travels.
A poor run last time over hurdles can be dismissed as it would have been a pipe- opener for today’s race.
The second is a Novice Chase, a good quality race but conditions keep out the top rank.
Willie Mullins is on blinding form even by his own stratospheric standards and Ciel De
Niege (2.10) can continue the run.
This smart son of Authorized is ideally suited to race conditions. A capable handicap hurdler, he has won both his chase starts, goes well on easy ground at this trip and can continue to progress.
Mullins can quickly follow up with Stones
And Roses (2.40) in the Grand National Trial Handicap Steeplechase (Grade B) of €90,000.00. We don’t see much of this horse but the last good look we got at him was a fine run in the Porterstown over a similar trip to this 3m4f marathon.
Agenda
He may have the Irish National on his agenda later in the year but he won’t be overlooking this generous pot.
The Maiden Hurdle has plenty possible winners, I’m opting for
GenI De La Cour (3.40). He was third in his first hurdle and was running well on his second.
Third time lucky might be the case as Emmet Mullins’ horses are starting to show a spark after a lean spell.
Roman McNally’s runners always need to get a careful look as he is some man to land a punt.
Petro l Head (4.10) might not look the most ridiculously well handicapped horse he has had, but he wouldn’t have to be.
Stuart Crawford’s yard has had a major boost with the support of the Munir/Soueude partnership, and they have
Bellane y Lord (4.40) in the bumper.