Paul Townend blog: Previews for his rides at Navan & Thurles
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Paul Townend, in his latest blog for Ladbrokes, has previewed his rudes at Navan and Thurles on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday
Dr Eggman was third on his first start over hurdles behind Caldwell Potter. He went on to win a Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas. That was a nice promising run and a lot of ours were obviously taking the run at the time. I hope he can build on that run. He had a nice enough level of bumper form before that. I think he will take a bit of beating here. It is a competitive little maiden hurdle but I think my horse will step up plenty from his first start.
Minella Cocooner has had two runs in Beginners Chases now in the last two years. He had an ok run at Leopardstown; he was a bit fresh and full of himself early on and then got tired in a hot race. He was third behind Fact To File and Zanahiyr who both had a run under their belts. Again I think he will come on plenty fitness wise for that run and he’s my best ride at Navan today.
Sunday
Hauturiere was a good winner at Limerick over Christmas. She really stepped forward and appreciated the step up in trip from her previous run at Cork. Two-and-a-half miles on drier ground may not help her. I don’t think it will inconvenience her as she jumps well enough and she is getting experience everyday she runs. It will just make things a little tricker for her. I don’t think Harmonya Maker showed up at Limerick and she is much better than that. We will be guaranteed that Hauturiere will put in a good showing and give them all something to think about.
I ride Allaho in the Grade 2 Chase next. Willie Mullins has four of the six runners here. Allaho ran a cracker at Kempton and looked like the winner jumping the last in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase. He just got outstayed on the day, but he ran a beautiful race. It is a track he likes, the conditions of the race will suit him, and he came out of Kempton really well. On ratings he will take a lot of beating. He’s not getting any younger, but he is still running to a very high level of form and he is the one they all have to beat. It looks like Appreciate It is stepping up to the mark this year after being a little disappointing last year and he will give us plenty to think about, as will Envoi Allen. I have chosen Allaho because of the level form he runs to and I am really looking forward to running around Thurles on him.
High Class Hero has progressed nicely with every run. His last run at Limerick was probably his most impressive win. He is a horse that stays really well and does a lot more on the track than he does at home. I have loved him every time I have ridden him and I think he can step up again here. He is a short-priced entry for Cheltenham and he would have to win here to live up to those expectations. I think this race is a good race for him and I think he is my best ride of the day.
