Paul Townend has high hopes for Saint Sam at Leopardstown

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Paul Townend, State Man

The Cheltenham Festival is on the horizon and Ladbrokes ambassador Paul Townend is warming up gently for the highlight of the National Hunt calendar with three rides at Navan and Leopardstown this weekend. 

Saturday

Flame Bearer – 4.20 Navan

I only have one ride at Navan on Saturday and that is Flame Bearer in a Novice Chase. He was disappointing at the Dublin Racing Festival in what looked a very good race, the Irish Arkle.

We are in calmer waters here, where Willie [Mullins] also runs Ha D’Or too. They met a few times last year. Flame Bearer beat him both times they met so I would be hoping he would have the measure of him again.

Hollow Games is the main opposition in the race for Gordon Elliott. He has won around the track and took to chases well that day. He hasn’t been seen in a while though. I have nothing but positive things to say about my horse and I hope he can win again.

Sunday

Saint Sam – 2.00 Leopardstown

He won well at Punchestown but was too keen at Navan on his latest run. He drops back in trip here and the conditions of the race really suit him. I think it’s a really good opportunity for him and he is the one everyone has to beat. We will be disappointed if he doesn’t go close.

Parmenion – 2.35 Leopardstown

He was well fancied for a good maiden over Christmas at Leopardstown when he got beat. I thought he ran OK that day. He was beaten again in a maiden after that so we will be hoping for third time lucky here. He has been running in above average maidens and this doesn’t look as challenging, so I hope he can go one better.

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