Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted October 24, 2018 Journalists Share Posted October 24, 2018 Getting chinned by Willie Mullins in the trainers’ championship should not define what Gordon Elliott achieved last season. The campaign may have ended in heartache for Elliott once again but there was no shortage of success stories to console him. There were the eight Cheltenham Festival winners, the joint-highest in the history of the March meeting. Or how about the 13 Grade 1s in all. And how could you forget the pint-sized Tiger Roll leaping his way to Grand National glory at Aintree. General Principle mopped up the Irish Grand National for him too and we haven’t even got to the exploits of Samcro yet. You sense Samcro is the horse who has given Elliott most pleasure in the last 12 months. There was intense pressure heading into the Cheltenham Festival and the fact Elliott had drawn a blank on the opening day intensified that tension. Samcro lived up to the hype by bagging the Ballymore and he now looks to be Ireland’s leading Champion Hurdle contender, unless of course connections decide to send him over fences. Whatever decision is made, Samcro is sure to be one of the most talked about horses of the season. “Last season was brilliant. To have eight winners at Cheltenham was incredible really. Our whole season is about Cheltenham. Everything I do centres around Cheltenham so to have eight winners there was magic,” Elliott says. He adds: “We have an exciting team of horses this season but we wouldn’t mind a bit of rain so we can get them all started. Down Royal early next month is the meeting where I like to start a lot of my good horses so hopefully we get a bit of rain before then.” There was an unusually slow start to the campaign. So often he is like a rocket out of the blocks and it is Mullins playing catch-up but this time around the roles are reversed after a bout of summer sickness descended on the camp. “I missed six weeks. The horses were not right and we took a pull. I needed to do the best by the horses but by shutting up shop for two weeks we lost six weeks as the horses did absolutely nothing for a fortnight and then it took a few weeks to get them back to where they were at. It was the right thing to do, though, and they are back firing on all cylinders now,” he said. Has the dream of becoming Ireland’s champion trainer for the first time been dashed already? “It won’t happen this year but I am 40 years of age and it might happen some year. We are getting better quality animals into the yard and that is what matters,” comes the reply. There is quality everywhere you look in Cullentra House. Samcro might be the star striker on the team but there are potential goalscorers in every stable. Exciting times these. Stable profile Yard Cullentra House StablesWhere Longwood, County MeathStarted training June 2006Horses in yard 200Members of staff 50Head lad Simon McGonigleAssistant trainers Ian Ammond, Davy Condon, Keith DonoghueFeed man and head work-rider Shane McCannBarn leaders Katie Young, Eleri Apps, Cossie McGivern, Georgie Benson, Seainin Mahon, Catriona Bolger, Jack Madden, Bobby McNallyTravelling head lass Camilla SharplesAssistant travelling heads Mary Nugent, Barney FloodSecretaries Alex Hutter, Leanne Halton, Lisa O’NeillAccount manager Conor McCaffertyJockeys Davy Russell, Jack Kennedy, Keith Donoghue, Mark EnrightConditionals Conor Orr, Liam McKennaAmateurs Lisa O’Neill, Jamie Codd, Kevin BroganStable sponsor Betfair WINNERS IN IRELAND 2017-18 210 2016-17 193 2015-16 123 2014-15 92 2013-14 56 PROFIT/LOSS TO A £1 STAKE 2017-18 -£287.03 2016-17 -£285.47 2015-16 -£285.93 2014-15 -£126.35 2013-14 -£102.86 PRIZE-MONEY 2017-18 €5,158,751 A Toi Phil Eight-year-old gelding Day Flight (sire) – Lucidrile (dam) Owner: Gigginstown House Stud Form figures: 21423-6 Racing Post Rating 162c, 152h Official Rating: 156c, 146hHe always gets himself out of trouble by winning one or two every year. He’s probably not a Grade 1 horse but he’ll mop up a few Grade 2s and 3s as he’s always done. He’s paid his way for the last few years and I’d imagine he’ll do that again. He’s a good, fun horse to have about the place. Abacadabras4g Davidoff – Cadoubelle Des As Gigginstown House Stud Unraced He’s a half-brother to a winner in France. He’s been working nicely and will be ready to start off in a bumper in the next few weeks. Allee Bleue 8g Mount Nelson – Murrieta Adrew Cohen 773326-RPR 141h, 124c OR 126h, 116c He’s arrived from Philip Hobbs and he looks like he could be well handicapped to me. We’re just waiting for a bit of rain to get him going and I’ve been very pleased with what he’s showing me so far. Alpha Des Obeaux8g Saddler Maker – Omega Des Obeaux Gigginstown House Stud 4646F-5RPR 170h, 161c OR 151h, 154c He could end up in the Grand National. Mouse [Morris] did a wonderful job with him and the horse probably just wanted a change of scenery more than anything. I was pleased with his run in the Munster National and all roads will hopefully lead to Aintree. Ange D’Or Javilex8g Puit D’Or – Ixia De Menil Thomas R Coleman 3P6/07/0/RPR 124h, OR 109h He hasn’t been the easiest to train and he’s been off for a long time but he’s actually been doing one or two nice bits of work lately. Anytime Now6g Beneficial – Rag’s Lady Allan Snow 423375RPR 123h OR 112h He won his bumper by a wide margin at Kilbeggan and has been a bit frustrating since. He’s definitely up to winning a maiden hurdle before the winter horses come out. Apple’s Jade 6m Saddler Maker – Apple’s For Ever Gigginstown House Stud1/11133-RPR 162h OR 158h She’ll go an identical route to the one she took last year. She’ll start off in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan and then on to Fairyhouse for the Hatton’s Grace, a race she won so impressively last year. She kept coming into season during the second half of last season but we think we’ve rectified that issue now. She’s absolutely bombing at home at the moment and the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham is once again the ultimate aim. Apple’s Jade and Keith Donoghue on straight of the sand gallop. Cullentra House Stables.Authorizo 3g Authorized – Street Lightning Gigginstown House Stud34-13 (Flat form) Handled deep ground when he won at Cagnes-Sur-Mer in January. He’s schooled nicely and will go for a juvenile hurdle once we get a bit of rain. Baby Twig7m Network – Natty Twigy Philip J Reynolds 1/ RPR 115b She got a leg after she won her bumper by a wide margin in Punchestown around this time two years ago. She’s back now and working away nicely. She’s a nice mare and jumps particularly well. Ball D’Arc 7g Network – Pretty Moon Gigginstown House Stud 33/31U5-RPR 149h, 162c OR 140h, 157c Has thrived since we sent him over fences but hurt himself when favourite at Naas in February and it will probably be Christmas by the time we get him out. He always pays his way. Ballydunblaze 4f Arcadio – Classy Conflict John Lane 1 RPR 96b We’ll look for a winners’ bumper for her in the coming week. She got the job done nicely at Navan and has come on for it too. Baltazar D’Allier7g Malinas – Kinoise D’Allier JP McManus 12F/ RPR 144h OR 140h We’re looking forward to getting this fella back out. He won his maiden hurdle at Naas like a nice horse and was second in the Challow at Newbury on New Year’s Eve. He then fell at Navan and has had time off since. Battleoverdoyen 5g Doyen – Battle Over Gigginstown House Stud 1/ (point form) A lovely, big horse who won his point-to-point at Loughanmore with a bit up his sleeve. He had a little setback last season and we never got to run him but he’s ready to rock in a bumper as soon as we get a bit of soft ground. Batts Rock 5g Fastnet Rock – Be My Queen Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran 2 A useful stayer on the Flat who was a bit unlucky at Punchestown last Wednesday as the winner ran right across him at the last. Should have little difficulty picking up a maiden hurdle on nice ground. Ben Dundee 6g Beneficial – Miss Dundee C Jones 162000- RPR 140h OR 133h He’s a bit better than his form. He’s been a bit unlucky. He’s going over fences and you’ll see him sooner rather than later. Best Of Dubai 6m Dubai Destination – Second Best Lucky Shoe Part Three Syndicate 3422-31RPR 103b She won a bumper the other day at Galway and has never run a bad race for us. She’ll head for a maiden hurdle now in the next few weeks. Black Tears4f Jeremy – Our Girl Salley Mrs Caren Walsh & John Lightfoot2122- RPR 110b This filly is nice. She got a bit of a cut after Punchestown in April but she’s back cantering now and hopefully you will see her this side of Christmas. She already has black type. Bless The Wings 13g Winged Love – Silva Venture Adrian Butler/S P O’ConnorP1FP34-RPR 133h, 152c OR 120h, 137c He’s been some servant. He was third in the Grand National and hopefully he might end up back there next April. We’ll take the cross-country route with him again and I have the Pardubicka at the back of my mind for him. Blow By Blow7g Robin Des Champs – Shean Rose Gigginstown House Stud 161147- RPR 152h OR 150h He’s ready to go and it will be novice chasing for him. He looks like a big winter horse who should relish deep ground but arguably his best form is on better ground. The RSA or National Hunt Chase is where we would like him to end up. Boot Camp5g Milan – Derravaragh Native Gigginstown House Stud 274181 RPR 134h, 129c OR 130h I liked the way he got the job done at Limerick. That was his first start over fences and we’ll look for a winner of one for him now. Brelade6g Presenting – Polivalente DP Sharkey 243725-RPR 145h, 143c OR 139h, 139c He got a bad cut in the Scottish Champion Hurdle and it has taken a while to get him back. He doesn’t have enough confidence over fences so we’re going to aim him at the Greatwood at Cheltenham’s November meeting. Campeador6g Gris De Gris – Royale VideoJP McManus 4F/F/1F3-RPR 154h OR 150h He has a hell of a lot of ability and shows us an awful lot at home. He had a couple of silly falls to his name which didn’t help his confidence. He is back cantering away now and always works well. Carter McKay7g Martaline – Saxona Pearl Bloodstock Ltd 06/1330-RPR 140h OR 138h We have had him about six weeks or so. If you look at some of his best form you would imagine he will develop into a nice, staying novice chaser. If I could sum up last season in one word . . . Brilliant Cats For Cash4g Mahler – Harvard Girl Liam J Clancy 2 RPR 89bShould come on for his debut second in a Down Royal bumper and we’ll look for something similar soon. Champagne Classic 7g Stowaway – Classical Rachel Gigginstown House Stud321311/RPR 153h OR 151h He’s got some very, very good form. He’s certainly surprised us. He shows us nothing at home. You would like to think that chasing will bring out the best in him and he’s ready to go over fences now. I’m very happy with where he is at the moment. Chief Justice3g Acclamation – Freedom Pass Cheveley Park Stud 2111RPR 120h He’s done nothing but improve since arriving here. He was impressive at Listowel and Gowran Park. He only does what he has to do. We’ll put him away for the thick of winter when the ground gets too deep and maybe have a go at the Fred Winter. Race in focus I was watching the Pardubicka the other day on the television and I thought to myself ‘that’s a race I would love to have a good at next year.’ Maybe something like Tiger Roll or Bless The Wings might be suited to it. It would be some buzz to have a runner in that. Coeur Sublime3g Elusive Pimpernel – Love Knot Chris Jones 1 (Flat form)I’d say this fella is a fair horse. He beat Southern France in a Navan maiden last April and that form doesn’t look too bad now, does it? He’ll start off in a juvenile hurdle as soon as we get a bit of rain. I can’t wait for that. Coeur Sublime winning from Southern France (Ryan Moore) and Understate (Billy Lee) in the “Kilberry Maiden” at NavanColumn Of Fire4g Robin Des Champs – Ghillie’s Bay Gigginstown House Stud 2- RPR 119b He chased home Commander Of Fleet in the Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown. He’s got very strong over the summer and will start off in a bumper in a week or two. Dark horse Commander Of Fleet4g Fame And Glory – Coonagh Cross Gigginstown House Stud 1- RPR 132b You’d have to love the way he won the Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown. He’s strengthened up a lot over the summer and the plan has always been for him to start off in a maiden hurdle at Down Royal early next month. Commentariolus4g Frankel – Apsara M Booth & Miss Rachael Evans 13-5 RPR 120h OR 124h A son of Frankel who hasn’t been the easiest to train. He shows us plenty in his homework. We will be on the lookout for a winners of one hurdle race for him over the next few weeks. Cool Getaway 6g Getaway – Coolnacarriga JP McManus 1/ (Point form) Won a point at Tattersalls for Stuart Crawford back in November 2016 and the form of that has worked out very well. He’ll start off in a maiden hurdle soon and seems nice. Count Simon4g Rip Van Winkle – Wedding CakeMrs P Sloan 214225RPR 128h OR 124h He wasn’t a bad juvenile and he’ll probably head to Down Royal for the valuable 2m handicap hurdle. Cracking Smart6g Great Pretender – Maya Du FreneGigginstown House Stud 21/1122-RPR 153h OR 150h This is a smart horse. He could be a proper 3m staying chaser. He got a little chip which kept him out of Cheltenham but he’s back cantering now and you’ll hopefully see him this side of Christmas. He’s a horse we like a lot here. Cracking Smart ridden by Jack Kennedy winning the 2m 4f maiden hurdle. Punchestown.Creadan Belle5m Vinnie Roe – Aliceaneileen James W Power 642RPR 88b She’s not the biggest mare you’d ever see but she’s got a massive heart and she tries hard. Hopefully she can pick up a bumper. Cubomania5g Halling – Surrealism Cubomania Syndicate 52-16113RPR 117h, 139c OR 114h, 132c A cracking syndicate horse, a real money-spinner. He’s a model of consistency, is versatile and we’ll continue to vary it with him. Dakota Moirette 5g Voix Du Nord – Rahana Moirette Gigginstown House Stud 700/337- RPR 114h, 126c OR 122h Might be better than his form suggests and you’ll see him in a beginners’ chase in the coming weeks. Daylight Katie 5m Bonbon Rose – Sirani David DunsdonF/1- (point form) She won a Lisronagh point for Aidan Fitzgerald and has been showing me decent things at home. She’ll be ready to go in a bumper in about three weeks. De Plotting Shed 8g Beneficial – Lady Willmurt Ives Ashley Vasey Partnership2P-F444 RPR 153h, 140c OR 143h, 140c He shows a lot more at home than he’s been showing on the track of late. He’s frustrating. We’re thinking of sticking to hurdles for the time being anyway and there’s a handicap hurdle at Navan next month that we’re thinking of for him. Defi Bleu5g Saddler Maker – Glycine Bleue Gigginstown House Stud 18- RPR 119h A nice horse who won a Navan bumper before we threw him in at the deep end in a Grade 2 hurdle at Naas in February. A maiden hurdle at Down Royal early next month is on his agenda now. Star quality Delta Work5g Network – RobbeGigginstown House Stud 324312-RPR 150h OR 152h I’m really looking forward to seeing this fella over a fence. He could be a lovely staying novice and it was always in my head to start him off in a beginners’ chase at Down Royal early next moth but we will need some rain for that to happen. DELTA WORK Ridden by Davy Russell wins at CHELTENHAM 15/3/18Destin D’Ajonc 5g Martaline – Fleur D’Ajonc JP McManus 1/6360-RPR 135h OR 133c He has bits and pieces of form but was disappointing at Fairyhouse in April and needs to bounce back from that. Diamond Cauchois 7g Crillon – Diamond Turtle Danny & Eamon Partnership 313126-RPR 155h OR 150h He brings home a cheque every day he runs and I love that about horses. We will keep him over hurdles and you could see him end up in the Boyne Hurdle later in the season, he won that nicely last year and seems to love Navan. Diamond Turf 5g Diamond Boy – Lovely Turf Gigginstown House Stud 31- RPR 114b A big staying chaser in the making. He made big improvement from Limerick to win by a long way at Navan and the plan is to start him off in a maiden hurdle very soon once the rain finally arrives. Dinaria Des Obeaux5m Saddler Maker – Indiana Jaune Gigginstown House Stud 461325-RPR 134h, 139c OR 131h, 140c She has a smashing season last term. She won three times over fences and really took to it. Mares chases will be her bread and butter. Dinons5g Balko – Beni Abbes T O’Driscoll 3F1111RPR 145h OR 135h Needs a trip and nice ground. He won four on the bounce over the last few months and we’re bringing him over to Cheltenham this week for a novice hurdle. Doctor Phoenix10g Dr Massini – Lowroad Cross Nick Bradley Racing Club 0112F5- RPR 131h, 166c OR 133h, 156c He’s probably not quite a Grade 1 horse so we will aim him at Grade 2s and 3s over two miles. If he has as good a season as he had last year then we would be thrilled. Don Poli 9g Poliglote – Dalamine Gigginstown House Stud 32/3P23/ RPR 153h, 168c OR 152h, 161c Back in mighty form. He was absolutely flying before the Gold Cup in 2017 and unfortunately got a leg. He’s back bouncing now and we’re heading to Down Royal for the JNwine.com Champion Chase. Don Poli (right) walks back into the stable yard. Cullentra House Stables.Dona Katharina4f Stowaway – Western Whisper Edward M Walsh 532 RPR 90b She has a good pedigree. She’s a sister to Outlander and should be up to winning a bumper in the coming months. Dortmund Park 5g Great Pretender – Qena Gigginstown House Stud 611481-RPR 152h OR 148h We haven’t made up our minds whether to go chasing or stay over hurdles with him for another year. He’s only five but is every inch a chaser when you look at him. He finished last year on a high and has summered well. Dounikos 7g Smadoun – Baby Sitter Gigginstown House Stud 114PPP- RPR 124h, 155c OR 121h, 150c He could tailor-made for the Troytown at Navan next month. His form fell apart in the second half of last season but he is still a Grade 2 winner over fences and is a lot better than his form says. Duca De Thaix 5g Voix Du Nord – Nouca De Thaix Gigginstown House Stud 16090-2RPR 142h, 129c OR 132h He works like a very, very good horse at home but he’s disappointed us. I was happy with the way he jumped at Punchestown on Tuesday and he’ll come on for that. Edene D’Arc4f Meresca Sorrento Kenneth Alexander 13- RPR 112b A nice mare who we’re waiting on a bit of soft ground for to run her in a maiden hurdle. She won a bumper at Gowran which worked out well. Elwood4g Martaline – Robbie Gigginstown House Stud 644-1He’s a brother to Delta Work who came from France and works nicely. He’s nice and just needs a bit of rain. Empire Burleque 6g Cape Cross – Mowazana Gigginstown House Stud 1/9- RPR 117b We decided to take him out of a maiden hurdle at Punchestown on Wednesday as we felt the ground was a shade too quick for him. He’s working well. Dark horse Envoi Allen4g Muhtathir – Reaction Cheveley Park Stud 1- (point form) A gorgeous horse we like. He looked good when he won his point at Ballinaboola. He’s doing everything right at home and he’ll start off in a bumper as soon as the ground comes right. Enzani7g Cape Cross – Eytarna Shane Reville 72/2/11-7RPR 119h OR 116h A good, fun horse who will pay his way over hurdles in the coming months. Everybreathyoutake4g September Storm – Ashdale Lark Neville Reid P2 RPR 96b Improved at Roscommon and is up to winning a bumper. Doesn’t want real deep, winter ground. Falak5g Teofilo – Family Bredan Scully 52S-013RPR 124h OR 122h He’s having a break at the moment but will be back for the spring festivals. Farclas 4g Jukebox Jury – Floriana Gigginstown House Stud 2215- RPR 149h OR 152h I know he won the Triumph Hurdle last year but I think he needs a trip and we’ll be trying him over further than two miles this season. He’s had a wind operation and we hope to start him off this side of Christmas, but I’m convinced he wants a trip. Farclas and Jack Kennedy winning the JCB Triumph Hurdle. Cheltenham Festival.Feel My Pulse 4g Stowaway – Zenaide Gigginstown House Stud 1- (point form) Won his point at Lismore by a long way and looks a nice prospect. We’ll start him off in a maiden hurdle sooner rather than later. He’s ready to go. Dark horse Felix Desjy5g Maresca Sorrento – Lamadoun Gigginstown House Stud 1165-RPR 135b He qualifies for some of the valuable novice hurdles and we could aim him for the final of that. He’s a very nice horse and could develop into a Supreme Novices’ contender once he learns to settle. Final List4g Doyen – Lady Goldilocks Gigginstown House Stud 5- RPR 101b He was fifth in a Punchestown bumper but he’s got very strong over the summer and is a nice horse going forward. Flat To The Max3g Maxios – Another Name Gigginstown House Stud U A three-year-old we got off Ger Lyons. He unseated Jack [Kennedy] at the first at Ballinrobe but that was out of character as he jumps very well at home. Flawless Escape5g Sagamix – Sainte KadetteT O’Driscoll 12130-RPR 138h OR 133h This guy has got seriously strong over the summer. I like him. We’re going to go novice chasing with him and he should do well at that game. He’ll probably start off over 2m4f but will get 3m no problem. Folsom Blue11g Old Vic – Spirit Leader Core Partnership 144140-RPR 154h, 148c OR 128h, 145c He was very unlucky in the Irish Grand National and the plan is to run him in what used to be the Fixed Brush Hurdle at Haydock on Betfair Chase day. Fury Road 4g Stowaway – Molly Duffy Gigginstown House Stud 41 (point form) Won his point at the second time of asking quite easily at Dromahane and he’s another ready to run in a bumper once the rain arrives. General Principle9g Gold Well – How Provincial Gigginstown House Stud 470461-RPR 142h, 146c OR 132h, 144c Irish Grand National winner who is going to be very hard to place now. I suppose we’ll aim him at the Grand National in Aintree this time and he could start off in the Troytown at Navan and run in all those valuable staying chases along the way to Aintree. Getaway John5g Getaway – Present Your Own John F Doyle 3/2110- RPR 136b He wasn’t right at Punchestown but he was very good at Fairyhouse when he won a proper bumper. He’s been schooling nicely and you’ll see him in a maiden hurdle soon. He’s nice. Glenloe 7g Kayf Tara – Mandys Native JP McManus 5/22325-RPR 146h OR 142h Went very close in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham. He could develop into a nice staying chaser this season. Grand Mogul4g Presenting – Oligarch Society John Lightfoot 4- RPR 106b He’ll be up to winning a bumper as soon as we get a bit of rain. He’s come forward since finishing fourth in a bumper at Punchestown. Great Vizier 3g Sir Percy – Special Green Simon Munir & Issac Souede 629- (Flat form) Schooling well and doing everything I have asked of him. He will go for a juvenile maiden hurdle once we get rain. Grotesque7g Kayf Tara – Princess Timon Gigginstown House Stud 21/60/33- RPR 121h OR 116h I would say he’s well enough treated to win a few handicap hurdles before going chasing. Hardline 6g Arcadio – Hidden Reserve Gigginstown House Stud 31138-1RPR 140h, 139c OR 140h I loved the way he won at Fairyhouse. The second is a good horse. He could be even better over fences than he was over hurdles and we’ll have to step him up in class now. Hardline (Davy Russell) jumps the last when winning the 2m beginners chase. Fairyhouse.High Expectations 7g High Rock – Tashifiya MJ Wasylocha 1P-4521 RPR 133h OR 128h Has a good strike-rate and always wins the races he should be winning, as he showed when getting up late to score at Sedgefield. He’ll mix and match between Flat and hurdles. He’s a good, fun horse to have around the place. You can bring him anywhere. Holy Motivation 5m Kalanisi – Teffia Rose Pioneer Racing 796322 RPR 105h OR 95h She’s been placed on her last couple of runs and hopefully she’ll get off the mark sooner rather than later. Invincible Cave5g Court Cave – Bespoke Baby Gigginstown House Stud 14- RPR 116b Bit disappointing at Naas having won his bumper at Navan but I do think he’s a nice horse and will appear in a maiden hurdle soon. Isle Of Destiny5m Gold Well – Young Amelie John F Doyle -533318RPR 115h OR 105h You would have to be a little disappointed with the way she ran at Cork on Sunday, but she’s better than that. I loved her attitude at Hexham when she won the time before and I’m sure we will find a suitable race for her, perhaps on the other side of the water. Its All Guesswork6g Mahler – La Lambertine Philip J Reynolds 4-3221F RPR 128h, 131c OR 124h, 130c He would have been placed in the Munster National only for coming down at the last. He was a bit sore after it so we’ll give him a bit of time to recover. He could pick up one of those nice staying handicap chases, maybe something like the Troytown at Navan would suit. He won his beginners chase there. Jury Duty 7g Well Chosen – Swan Heart Sideways Syndicate U3-3721 RPR 150h, 157c OR 147h, 152c We couldn’t have asked much more from him on Saturday night. We thought he would be the ideal type for the American Grand National and he proved just that. He was a high-class hurdler but he has progressed into an even better chaser and hopefully someday he might be the sort of horse who would suit an Aintree National. Kuiper Belt 4g Elusive Quality – Youre So Sweet Melissa Margolis211216 RPR 122h OR 123h Was a little disappointing at Punchestown on Wednesday but he’s had some summer and won loads of races. He won’t race through the winter but could go for a handicap at Cheltenham if he gets in. Kuraka4g Cacique – Puzzling Susan Frost & Mrs Caren Walsh 23316-6RPR 115h OR 119h He’s won two for us. He got a little setback in the summer but he’s back working now and we’ll find a little hurdle for him somewhere. Lackaneen Leader 6m Oscar – Shandora Mrs Caren Walsh & Grant Mercer 21112P-RPR 137h OR 133h Didn’t do a whole lot wrong last year and she’s going over fences now. She has the size and scope to do well chasing. Larquebuse4f Saddler Maker – Sirene Du Rheu Cheveley Park Stud1 (point form) Won her point at Durrow nicely for Colin Bowe. She is a big, strong mare we like and you’ll see her in a bumper this side of Christmas. Last Minute Man6g Yeats – Ella Watson Paul & Clare Rooney 1/22-0 RPR 121h A nice horse and you can forget his run at Clonmel in the summer when he wasn’t right. He’s a nice horse who’s up to winning a maiden hurdle. Lethal Steps 3g Lethal Force – Tanda Tula Cheveley Park Stud 54-45040 (Flat form) A nice juvenile to go hurdling with, he’s rated 102 on the Flat. He jumps really, really well and we like what we’ve seen from him so far. Lethal Steps and Colin Keane take the opening race of the July festival. KillarneyRival to watch Willie Mullins. He has caught me late for the last two seasons but we had a slow start this season so I have no chance of winning the title. What can you say about the man? He is a legend. Make My Heart Fly6m Stowaway – Poppy Maroon Twenty Syndicate 111124 RPR 130h, 114c OR 130hA star through the summer. She won four in a row and acquitted herself very well in a Listed event at Gowran. She’ll mix it between chases and hurdles. Dark horse Malone Road4g Kalanisi – Zaffarella Cheveley Park Stud 1 (point form) There was a lot to like about the way he won his point at Loughanmore for Stuart Crawford. This fella could be a seriously nice horse. We like him a lot. Master Of Tara 5g Kayf Tara – Ryme BereGigginstown House Stud 61- RPR 127b An imposing individual we like. He’ll start off in a maiden hurdle very soon and I’m looking forward to it. Star quality Mengli Khan5g Lope De Vega – DanielliGigginstown House Stud 11RO233- RPR 151h OR 150h He was one of our leading novice hurdlers last season and he goes chasing now. I like what I’ve seen of him schooling so far. He’s not slow so we’ll probably keep him to two miles with the Arkle being the ultimate aim next March. Minellafordollars6g King’s Theatre – Another Dollar JP McManus 1/31-RPR 136h He’s back cantering away and is a nice horse to be heading into the winter months with as he handles deep ground really well. Miss Aloud 4f Azamour – Key Stage Oghill House Stud Limited 62233RPR 102b You cannot fault her consistency in bumpers and surely one will come her way in the coming weeks. Missy Tata6m Astarabad – Queen RunningSimon Munir & Isaac Souede4/11111/RPR 144h OR 145h She’s back cantering away and it’s great to have her back around the place. She’s a classy mare who will head over fences once we get a bit of rain. She gives you everything. Mitchouka4g Creachadoir – Minaloushe Gigginstown House Stud 1P26-F5 RPR 140h, 123c OR 140h He had jumped brilliantly before he fell at Gowran Park, which was an awful pity. That seemed to affect his confidence at Punchestown but hopefully we can get him back on track. Monbeg Notorious7g Milan – Borleagh Princess Gigginstown House Stud 211182- RPR 138h, 155c OR 132h, 151c He looks an ideal type for the Grand National at Aintree. He won the Thyestes in real heavy ground at Gowran and loves those testing conditions. Monbeg Notorious (centre) and Jack Kennedy wins the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase. Gowran Park.Monbeg Worldwide6g Lucarno – Molly Duffy Gigginstown House Stud 111/23-5 RPR 128h He got incredibly tired at Tipperary last week and he’ll come on a ton for that. It goes without saying he’s better than the bare form of that and you should see a different horse next time. Monkshood 6g Stowaway – Flirthing Around Gigginstown House Stud 1/1145URPR 136h OR 136h He’s better than you have seen so far. He had an operation on his back for kissing spines but he’s back cantering away now and we’re looking forward to sending him over fences. Moonlight Escape5m Court Cave – Festival Leader F Donnelly 1U9-015 RPR 122h, 125c OR 118h She’s a grand, honest mare who should do better over fences than she did over hurdles. HORSE TO FOLLOW Dortmund Park Winner of both his bumpers and a three-time winner over hurdles last season, this five-year-old ended his campaign with a ten-length win in a Grade 1 novice over 2m4f at the Punchestown festival. There was an element of good fortune involved, to the margin of victory if not the result, as two of the leading contenders were knocked out of the race two out. However, the son of Great Pretender looks the type who should take well to fences and should enjoy a successful campaign in staying novice chases this season.Tony O’Hehir Ned Stark10g Wolfe Tone – Last Moon Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran 68P52/0- RPR 119h, 147c OR 124h, 130cHe’s been a long time off the track but he’s got a big engine and could be well handicapped. He’s on the teamsheet for the Troytown at Navan. Noble Endeavor9g Flemensfirth – Old Moon C Jones P54136/RPR 151h, 160c OR 145h, 154c The long-term plan for him is the Grand National at Aintree. He hasn’t run since the Irish National in 2017 as he chipped a bone but he’s back now and will tip away in handicap chases this season. He’s got some really good form. Ocean Voyage3f Most Improved – Minshar Arion Racing Club 142-06 (Flat form) A nice dual-purpose filly who we’ll go juvenile hurdling with soon. Our Father12g Shantou – Rosepan Ives & Johnsons Partnership 59U/92/0 RPR 147h, 154c OR 130c He never let himself down on the ground at Limerick in the Munster National. He works well at home so we’ll have another go at one of those nice staying handicap chases. Out Sam9g Multiplex – Tintera D Charlesworth 9/06P33-RPR 140h, 151c OR 127h, 132c We have him pencilled in for the Cork National so that’s where he’ll go. He has some good back form and might not be badly treated if we can get him back to his old self. Outlander10g Stowaway – Western Whisper Gigginstown House Stud 32PP8-2RPR 147h, 170c OR 145h, 161c He owes us nothing. He’s won ten times and I was thrilled with his run in the Grade 3 at Punchestown the other day. He is entered in the JNwine.com Champion Chase, a race he beat Road To Respect in last year, so he deserves a shot in that. Pallasator 9g Motivator – Ela Athena Qatar Racing Limited 54115- RPR 151h OR 147h He did nothing but improve last season and won the Grade 2 at Fairyhouse over Easter. He seems in great nick and we might even try him over fences. Pallasator and Davy Russell jumping the last to win “The Donoghoe Marquees Maiden Hurdle” at LeopardstownPenny Jane 6m King’s Theatre – Shannon Rose Paul & Clare Rooney 2231-11 RPR 118h, 122c OR 124c I was absolutely thrilled with her win at Cork and Denis [O’Regan] gave her a terrific ride. That’s the way she likes to be ridden. She has taken really well to fences and she should continue to progress. Hopefully we can find something for her at the spring festivals. Poli Roi 6g Poliglote – Belle Du Roi Gigginstown House 215P85- RPR 136h OR 133c He didn’t really live up to expectations after winning his maiden hurdle at Down Royal around this time last year. We’re sending him over fences and hopefully that will spark a revival. Poormans Hill 7g Stowaway – Sharps Express Vincent Caldwell & Mrs Kathleen Caldwell161P7-4 RPR 124h, 133c OR 119h, 130c He’s won eight races for us now and kept improving all last season. We’ve had the Cork National in mind for him for quite a while so it’s all systems go for that now. Portnablagh5m Well Chosen – Countess Trifaldi Gigginstown House Stud 10- RPR 104b She’s a great big galloping mare who loves soft ground. We’re looking forward to her going over the hurdles and winter conditions will really suit. Prince Of Scars 8g Flemensfirth – Spirit Leader Gigginstown House Stud 3/236P3/ RPR 163h, 139c OR 150h, 139c He is a dual Grade 1 winner who has had plenty of problems. He is back cantering away and is ready to return this side of Christmas. He likes winter ground and we’ll look for a nice chase for him somewhere. Rakhine State5g Arakan – Oiselina Armagh Bhoys Partnership 32464- RPR 118h He has been placed in a few bumpers and hopefully we can spot a nice opportunity for him somewhere in a maiden hurdle. Rogue Angel 10g Presenting – Carrigeen Kohleria Gigginstown House Stud PP2-136RPR 135h, 150c OR 135c He tanked through the Kerry National and they probably didn’t go quick enough for him at Limerick and it didn’t really turn into a test. Hopefully he can land a big pot at some stage this season. Star quality Samcro 6g Germany – Dun Dun Gigginstown House Stud 1/1111F- RPR 159h OR 160c We’re really looking forward to getting him started. He’s got a lot stronger over the summer and will definitely return at Down Royal – whether that’s in the WKD Hurdle or the beginners chase over 2m4f I’m not 100 per cent sure yet. I’ll have a chat with Michael and Eddie [O’Leary] over the next few days and we’ll make a decision together. He didn’t do much wrong last year, his only blip came at Punchestown and that could happen to any horse. Everyone knows what I think of him and hopefully he can continue to show everyone how good he is. Samcro and Jack Kennedy celebrate winning the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. Cheltenham Festival.Santana Plessis 4g Saint Des Saints – La Passeroie D Charlesworth 3- RPR 115b Third to Commander Of Fleet – one of ours – in a Punchestown bumper. He’s a nice type who looks up to winning a bumper. Star quality Shattered Love7m Yeats – Tracker Gigginstown House Stud RPR 141h, 159c OR 136h, 153c We knew she would do better over fences than she did over hurdles but I suppose we never thought she would win two Grade 1s and be a Cheltenham Festival winner. In saying that, I did really fancy her for the JLT and I actually put her up at a few Cheltenham preview nights I was on. We’ll start her off in the chase for second-season novices at Down Royal next month and what she does there will probably decide what path we take with her. She probably needs to improve a bit to be a Cheltenham Gold Cup contender but it’s not out of the question. Silver Star 5g Silver Frost – SuerteRoyal’s & Blue Syndicate Silver Star RPR 126h OR 119h Really consistent sort who will hold his own in his own grade. Sire Du Berlais 6g Poliglote – Royale Athenia JP McManus 130/248-RPR 144h OR 142h The best of his form is quite useful. He was fourth in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham and he’s not a bad sort. Smiling Eliza 3f Rock Of Gilbraltar – Gift Dancer Gordon Elliott Racing Club 22121 RPR 112h She keeps winning. The plan is to go to Aintree with her now for a mares’ Listed hurdle and try pick up some black type. Smiling Eliza and Jack Kennedy wins the 2m 3-Y-O Hurdle. Punchestown.Soldier At War 4g Soldier Hollow – Sag SunGigginstown House Stud 2- (point form) Second to Malone Road in a Loughanmore point and looks suite useful. He’s ready to start off in a bumper soon and has had a wind operation. Sometime Soon5g Shantou – Back Log Gigginstown House Stud 1345-2 RPR 119h His jumping was a bit novicey at Fairyhouse last time and it might not be the worst thing in the world that he was beaten as we would have had to go straight for a graded race. Space Cadet 8g Flemensfirth – Shuil A Hocht C Jones 9342PP- RPR 134h, 136c OR 122h, 135c There could be a big day in this fella and he’ll run in all those valuable staying handicap chases. Squouateur7g Martaline – Samansonnienne JP McManus 6303BP-RPR 141h, 141c OR 141h, 138c It hasn’t happened for him so far but it will happen for him some day. He’s been frustrating but his luck has to change. There’s a nice pot in him. Star Maker 4g Mastercraftsman – Snoqualmie Star Thomond Racing Syndicate 43-6619 RPR 116h OR 117h He’s coming along nicely and I think he can win again before the real winter stuff starts. Stooshie5g Fracas – Misty Native Mrs Caren Walsh & John F Doyle 2513-32RPR 130h OR 128h I thought he ran well the other day at Punchestown and there will hopefully be a nice handicap in him somewhere along the way. Sunsetstorise 10g Millenary – OtorumMrs Finola Murphy & Mrs Ann Marie McManus & Mrs Tahnee Grant4P1/125- RPR 128c, 120h OR 124c, 102h We took him out of a race at Cork on Sunday because the ground was a little on the quick side. I have no doubt he will pay his way in 2m Handicap chases when there is a bit more cut in the ground. Sutton Place 7g Mahler – Glebe Beauty JP McManus 1/11P/1P- RPR 161h, 141c OR 158h He has missed a bit of time but we are looking forward to getting him back on the right road. He is a nice horse and we have yet to decide what route we are going to take with him. Swingbridge 10g Milan – Creative Approach Noel Gerard Moran F-041361RPR 118h, 133c OR 109h, 124c A very consistent sort who might go to Cheltenham at the end of the week for a handicap chase. Synopsis6m Azamour – Censored David Spratt & Kevin McMunigal & Mary Hopkins70123-6 RPR 126h, 120c OR 124h, 123c A useful enough mare who did well over hurdles and didn’t take long to win over fences. She will probably mix and match between handicap hurdles and chases. Takeittothelimits6m Stowaway – A Plus Ma Puce JP McManus 112/RPR 107b She is ready to in in a maiden hurdle once we get a bit of rain. She won her first two bumpers and was second in a Listed bumper at Gowran but she has had her fair share of problems since. It’ll be good to get her back. Thatsy 4g Martaline – Rainallday Gigginstown House Stud12- (point form) A big, strong, staying sort who won his point at Lingstown for Donnacha Doyle. We’ll pop him into a bumper as soon as we get a bit of rain. The Big Lense5g Court Cave – Megans Joy JP McManus 63-816 RPR 121h OR 117h He got the job done nicely in a maiden hurdle at Bellewstown and hopefully there is more to come. He won a point at Cragmore a few years ago so he could develop into a nice chaser. The Storyteller 7g Shantou – Bally Bolshoi Mrs P Sloan 137151- RPR 148h, 161c OR 142h, 155c Did us proud last year, winning at Cheltenham and then landing a Grade 1 at Punchestown, although I think we all know he was very lucky there given what happened to Al Boum Photo. He could be tricky enough to place this year but he’ll definitely start off in the chase for second-season novices at Down Royal next month and we’ll take it from there Thisonesforollie6m Scorpion – Toniberoli B Mannion & Brendan O’Grady 69-4811RPR 100h OR 90h I’ve got a great kick out of her winning her last few races. I still think she’s quite well handicapped and could win a few more. She’s improving fast. Tiger Roll 8g Authorized – Swiss Roll Gigginstown House Stud P/2P511- RPR 150h, 160c OR 140h, 159c He’s absolutely bouncing, you wouldn’t believe how well he is in himself. He’s loving life. It takes some horse to win at three Cheltenham Festivals and then a Grand National. I suppose we’ll go down a similar route to last year. We’ll keep him to cross-country races. He’s still only eight and we could get a couple more years out of him doing that job if we mind him. TIGER ROLL Ridden By Davy Russell wins the 2018 RANDOX HEALTH GRAND NATIONALTimber House6g Golden Lariat Gigginstown House Stud 4F1 (point form)A nice type of horse who won his point at Ballysteen in April and will start off in a bumper very soon. Timiyan 7g Ghostzapper – TimarwaJohn P McManus F-61D07RPR 139h, 143c OR 132h, 132c He was unlucky to be disqualified at Kilbeggan during the summer. He lost his confidence after an early mistake at Limerick last time. Hopefully we can get him right for the Troytown at Navan. Tintangle 5m Yeats – Connaught Hall Gigginstown House Stud 4113- RPR 116b She’s a grand mare who we’re looking forward to running in a maiden hurdle. She should have a good season ahead. She has ability and should have a good season ahead. Tombstone 8g Robin Des Champs – Connaught Hall Gigginstown House Stud 3626-51 RPR 153h, 153c OR 143h, 144c We thought the world of him early on and he has been a bit frustrating as we all know what he’s capable of. It was great to see him get his head back in front the other day at Limerick and that will do his confidence the world of good. We’ll mix and match it between hurdles and fences. Tombstone and Jack Kennedy winning the Klairon Davis Novice Chase (Grade 3). Navan.Ucello Conti 10g Martaline – Gazelle Lulu Simon Munir & Issac Souede 24U/2PU-RPR 127h, 153c OR 139h, 147c He’ll go hunter chasing and run in cross-country races. He should be a good, fun horse. It’s unbelievable that he has yet to win a race for us. Viscount Wilson3g Lethal Force – Highland Starlight J A Mooney & Raymond Moore Jnr & Raymond C Moore4RPR 97h Not a bad sort on the Flat for Ger Lyons and he will come on for his first start for us over hurdles at Down Royal. Vision D’honneur 4g Vision D’Etat – HembraGigginstown House Stud1 He won in France and he looks like he could be a proper horse. We like the look of what we’ve seen so far. Western Honour 6g Westerer – Cailins Honour Cheveley Park Stud 844-4 RPR 113h OR 112h Arrived from Jimmy Moffatt’s and hopefully there will be a handicap hurdle in him off his mark. They will have plenty of fun with him. Westland Row6g Oscar – Presenting Proform Mrs Caren Walsh & John F Doyle221010- RPR 133h OR 129h He might jump a fence sooner rather than later but he’ll pay his way over hurdles too. Woods Well7g Fleetwood – Millbrook Marble Gigginstown House Stud5P5P6-1 RPR 136h, 139c OR 134h, 133c He showed a good attitude to win at Galway the other day and he will be part of my Troytown team. The post Gordon Elliott Stable Tour appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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