Paul Townend previews Sunday’s rides at Thurles
Published:Ladbrokes ambassador Paul Townend is at Ascot on Saturday and Thurles on Sunday, and he gave us his thoughts on each of his rides this weekend.
Saturday
I think she has a squeak. It is a competitive race but she is consistent and runs well everyday. It will be nice to have a spin around before the Clarence House Chase.
I am delighted to be on his back whether it was at Ascot or Leopardstown. It’s a big clash and I suppose Shishkin sets the standard. We will have to give it a go at some stage so why not this weekend?
It is hard to be confident taking on a horse with his ability, he looks a champion, but we are in good form and will give it our best. This is the stiffest task he has taken on but he showed a lot of potential as a novice. His first run back at Cork was very good but we just need to see how we get on.
I have rode Un De Sceaux at Ascot a couple of times a few years ago, and it is a lovely track to ride around. It is a fair track too, the only difference is that this is an away game and we have to travel further.
Sunday
She had a heavy fall at Cork the last day and hopefully that doesn’t affect her. She has schooled well since so we aren’t worried. The ground will suit her. It is a good race and she will have to bring her A game.
Allaho beat Fakir D’oudairies at Punchestown well and takes him on again. He is a course winner. I suppose the ground will probably be dry enough for him and shouldn’t be an inconvenience for him. He seems well since his John Durkan win.