Paul Townend blog: ‘I can’t wait to find out if his engine is still as big’
Published:
In the latest Paul Townend blog for Ladbrokes, the leading jockey discusses the prospects of his rides at Naas on Sunday, with Ferny Hollow the most interesting.
Paul Townend blog
He hasn’t been seen in a while since his last run in France. He ran to a high enough level over there, albeit over staying trips on a bit better ground. It looks a nice opportunity for him. There is a few in here with decent form. Shoot The Blues is one of those and he will take a bit of beating. I expect our lad to run a big race and I think he will improve for the step up in trip in time. He should do himself justice and we will know where we are going after that.
He’s obviously a horse with a huge engine but he is so hard to keep right. He is a former Champion Bumper winner, he won a couple of Grade 1s over fences, but he is so fragile. He’s only had three runs since winning the Champion Bumper back in 2020 so that goes to show just how fragile he has been. If there is any man that will have him ready it is Willie Mullins. I haven’t sat on him this year yet, as he had a regular rider at home. I have been keeping a close eye on him though and he seems to be working well at home and this is a nice opportunity for him. He has been off the track for so long it is hard to know how much of his ability he retains. It’ll be brilliant to get him back on the track and I have full faith in Willie turning him around. He is a horse I have always loved and I can’t wait to find out if his engine is still as big.
