Energumene returns to action on Sunday. Check out our star columnist on his Cork team.
It’s disappointing that Ferny Hollow has got another new injury and is out for the season.
Unfortunately, he just looks a hard horse to keep sound with all the ability he has. It just shows you can have lots of horses with engines, but they need to be sound too. It’s a huge requisite for a good racehorse.
Gaelic Warrior was very impressive at Tramore in the week but I think the loose horse kept him honest the whole way, so he probably had a harder race than was needed. I don’t think Paul wanted to get mixed up with the loose horse and having him running around in front of him, but it was a very taking performance.
Here’s a guide to my Sunday team – fingers crossed the meetings beat the current cold snap. We’re getting close to Christmas now but if Punchestown is off and restaged next week I’d imagine the horses declared for Sunday would all go there.
Cork
12:15 Blood Destiny
A nice type we got from France and he jumps well at home. I think he’ll handle the ground and goes there with a very reasonable chance.
12:45 Mercurey
He’s a horse who likes very testing conditions and he’ll get those on Sunday. He won very well in Gowran and we were a little disappointed with him at Limerick in a Listed bumper next time. He was beaten by two nice horses though and looks a real jumper in the making. I’m looking forward to him.
13:45 Dinoblue
We’re taking a chance with her coming back to a course-and-distance where she made a winning chase debut last month. There didn’t look to be much for her over Christmas or in the near future so we’re running here, and she has every chance. We just hope she improves as much as Roseys Hollow who chased her home last time and can confirm the placings.
13:45 Instit
She probably needs a longer trip than this, but I’ve got to start her off somewhere and get experience into her. I’m happy to let her take her chance.
14:20 Energumene
The horse has been in good shape at home, I’m very pleased with him and looking forward to getting him started for the season. He won the race last year and it's a great starting point for him.
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