Stack looking for dream start in the Irish Lincolnshire
FOZZY STACK is more hopeful than confident that Onenightidreamed can provide him with a perfect start to his training career with victory in the Tote Irish Lincolnshire at Naas today.
Stack has this year taken over the licence from his father, Tommy, the multiple Classic-winning trainer, whose career in the saddle included partnering Red Rum to Grand National glory in 1977.
James Stack, better known as Fozzy, has been assistant since 1999, but is now in charge at Thomastown Castle in County Tipperary.
Onenightidreamed won the traditional seasonopening Irish Lincolnshire at the Curragh two years ago, but having since struck twice at Group Three level, he is now 18lb higher in the weights.
Stack said: ‘Onenightidreamed seems well and we’ll go again.
‘He’s in there with top weight and it’s not an easy race to win with top weight, but he’ll love the ground and that won’t be an issue.
‘It would be a grand start to the season, but I think we’ll travel more in hope than expectation.’
The Harry Rogerstrained Gentil J rounded off last season with successive victories and is reported to be in rude health ahead of her reappearance.
‘She’s in good form and we’re hoping she’ll run a good race,’ said Rogers. ‘Wayne (Lordan) knows her well, so it’s nice to have him on board. She’s got a nice weight and she’ll love the ground, so fingers crossed she’ll go well.’
Last year’s runner-up Aussie Valentine is a leading contender for Paul Deegan, having had a run on the all-weather at Dundalk a month ago.
Deegan said: ‘He ran very well at Dundalk. He hit the line well and hopefully he’ll come on for it. He was second last year to Sruthan and I think he must have a good chance again.’
Other home contenders include Michael Grassick’s Texas Rock, the Patrick Prendergasttrained Canary Row and Jessica Harrington’s Marshall Jennings.
The only British-trained runner in an 18-strong field is Richard Fahey’s