Don’t miss Bryan Cooper’s latest column as he talks all things Our Duke, his rides and the weekend action in Ireland
Cooper looks ahead to the racing at Fairyhouse and Naas this weekend and gives his view on Our Duke's battling win against Presenting Percy last weekend.
I HAVEN’T stopped smiling since Our Duke’s fantastic win in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran last weekend.
He produced everything we hoped for and more in beating the excellent novice Presenting Percy. We were worried about dropping back in distance but he travelled well and jumped much more fluently than at Leopardstown the time before.
He was giving weight away but it didn’t bother him as he went to the front and kept pulling out more when needed. It was a really eyecatching performance.
Now it’s all systems go for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and I notice that the bookies have shortened him right up.
He’s in the mix to be second-favourite and I would be amazed if there wasn’t plenty of money for him on the day when the Irish lads start getting stuck in.
Our Duke’s win has given the Gold Cup a boost because he’s a real contender now. You’ve got Might Bite for the home side and Ireland have our fella and Sizing John leading the challenge.
There’s a lot of water under the bridge between now and Festival Friday but if they all get there in one piece, it’s going to be a real cracker.
I wouldn’t put anyone off backing Our Duke because he’s got the class and is clearly back to full fitness. It’s exciting — and the race is less than three weeks away now!
Get your notebook out for Presenting Percy too.
I know a few people expected him to beat Our Duke but he’s only a novice taking on a seasoned chaser. He ran a brilliant race to get so close to him.
That was a quality warm up for the RSA Chase and he must have a massive chance of lifting that prize. He looks just the type of horse you want for Cheltenham in that he’s a nimble, quick jumper and will be able to handle the Festival pace.
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Looking to this weekend, there’s a cracking card at Fairyhouse today and Naas tomorrow is none too shabby either.
We might not see as many Cheltenham horses as in previous years because of the Dublin Racing Festival, but there should still be a few pointers.
I have an interesting ride on Itsalonglongroad in the opener. John McConnell has no issues about throwing him into a Grade 3 for his hurdling debut and there doesn’t seem to be a massive amount of strength in depth. Sometimes the maiden hurdles are just as strong at this stage of the season anyway.
He had some decent form on the Flat and he jumped really well when I schooled him a couple of weeks ago. There’s every chance of him running a nice race and finishing in the frame.
Bryan Cooper's weekend rides
Fairyhouse 1.45 (Saturday) - Itsalonglongroad:
'He has some decent form on the flat and jumped really well when I schooled him a couple of weeks ago'
Naas 4.45 (Sunday) - Take The Cash:
'Ran a good race to finish third the last day and has a nice weight. The 3m trip with suit him and I give him every chance'
Mitchouka is obviously the one to beat and he’s got very solid form. But he’s had a lot of runs and has been on the go for a while. My lad is nice and fresh so won’t be far away with a nice round of jumping.
It’s interesting to see Bellshill coming back for the Bobbyjo Chase at 3.30. He hasn’t run since finishing third in the RSA Chase at last year’s Cheltenham Festival and it will a tough race for him after so long off. As ever though, Willie Mullins wouldn’t be running him unless he’s been good signs at home. He was very good last year though and it will be exciting to see how he runs.
Mala Beach was poor in the Irish Gold Cup last time and they’ll want to see him bounce back to stay on track for the English Grand National.
I have a ride at Naas on Sunday for Andrew McNamara, Take The Cash (4.45). He ran a good race to finish third the last day and has a nice light weight. The 3m trip will suit him and I give him every chance.
Elsewhere on the card, Ball D’Arc goes in the Grade 3 chase at 3.45. He was a very good horse last season and started his campaign well this time but just hasn’t progressed as expected.
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He has won around Naas a couple of times so the race should suit him right enough.
He takes on Doctor Phoenix who I thought he was very good in the Dan Moore. Okay, the form of that race hasn’t worked out that well but he still won really easily in the end. It looks between Gordon Elliott’s pair and is well worth watching.