Paul Townend blog: ‘He should give a good account of himself’
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In the latest Paul Townend blog for Ladbrokes, the leading jockey discusses the prospects of his rides at Navan and Leopardstown
Paul Townend blog
I expect him to improve plenty for his run in Naas first time out. That was over 2m3f, and he steps up here. That was a promsing run and I think he can build on that. Kinturk Kalanisi brings some nice form in maiden hurdles that has been boosted with Largy Hill winning last week. He was also behind Blizzard Of Oz. He will give us something to think about and Gavin Cromwell’s Born Braver ran well in a bumper at Fairyhouse too. I am expecting my horse to build on his first run and he should give a good account of himself.
He was turned over a t a short price last time out at Punchestown and that was over two-and-a-half-miles on soft ground. He is back to two miles here. He is 3lbs better off than Spillane’s Tower who beat him the last day. His jumping has been very good and his form with Heart Wood looks strong now, with Heart Wood bolting up in the valuable handicap chase at Leopardstown at the Dublin Racing Festival. He didn’t run badly the last day, he just got beat to be honest. He drops back to two, his jumping has been very good, and I’ll put him up as my best ride on Saturday. I think he can reverse the form.
He ran a good race at Naas the last day and drops back in trip here which won’t be ideal for him but I think he can overcome it. I think the ground will stay on the slow side, so that will be a help. He has beaten most of these before and I think he has a solid chance. I expect him to jump a bit quicker and he will take a lot of beating. He is my best ride of the day.
He is 12yo now and isn’t getting any younger or faster, so he is probably up against it. Ashdale Bob looks really well treated in the race. Dee Capo is a young improving horse for Gordon Elliott. I also think Effernock Fizz is interesting and is going to carry no weight. The conditions of the race really suit as well. She is ultra consistent. I suppose she is coming off the back of a little bit of a break, although probably a big break for her as she has ran plenty. I think we are up against it with Cash Back. He is sure to run a consistent race, but he is well exposed and I am not sure he will be good enough. Hopefully he can surprise us.
