Paul Townend on the Champion Hurdle, Gowran Park & Navan
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I have five rides this weekend starting with Cilaos Emery in the Red Mills Hurdle (1.44) at Gowran Park.
He iscoming here off the back of a fall over fences at the Dublin Racing Festival.He was a high-class hurdler, and this looks a nice opportunity for him.
Darasso,the winner of the race last year, is the one to beat. Although, he got beatenat Haydock by Ballyandy the last day. I will obviously be hoping Cilaos Emerycan win and it will open up a few more options for him for the rest of theseason.
The waythe Champion Hurdle is cutting up, that might even be an option.However, he will have to go and win on Saturday first.
I ride Real Steel in the Red Mills Chase (2.54). He’s had a good season; he is an improving chaser and he is the highest-rated horse in the race.
Themain opposition comes from Chris’s Dream. I thought he was very impressivewinning the Troytown at Navan.
He got14lbs for that. The trip and ground will suit him, as well as ourselves. Ithink my horse looks well treated and we are hoping he can add another win tohis name.
My final ride at Gowran is Voix Des Tiep in the Beginners Chase (3.29).
He wassecond to his stablemate Annamix at Fairyhouse the last day. He should handlethis heavy ground and he has had a couple of nice runs over fences. SpyglassHill fell the last day after being second to Bapaume at Naas and he will giveus the most to do.
Off YouGo is a high-class hurdler and Milan Native has a nice rating over fences. Weare hopeful rather than confident with our horse.
Onto Sunday at Navan, I ride my old favourite Penhill in the Ladbrokes Boyne Hurdle (1.50). He’s had a couple of okay runs this season but doesn’t seem to be back to himself yet.
This isa stiff test for him, but he will handle the ground. Magical Light and TigerRoll are the two stand outs with a view to the future. Kilfenora will be hardbeat here as well.
Francin’s (2.20) maiden hurdle form in Leopardstown is working out very well. The drop back in trip shouldn’t be an issue on heavy ground. If he can back up the Leopardstown form, he will be hard beat.
It’s not a busy weekend but Ihave a couple of good rides and hope to bag a couple of nice winners.
Paul.
