Dublin Racing Festival: Saint Calvados out on another Irish adventure as Harry Whittington takes aim at Dublin Chase
The Game Spirit Chase at Newbury the following weekend is a the backup option for the improving chaser
SAINT Calvados will be out to break Irish hearts again on Saturday.
Harry Whittington's ace is firing on all cylinders ahead of the Dublin Chase on the opening day of the Dublin Racing Festival.
The six-year-old stuffed last year's star novice Footpad at Naas in November before running third in the Tingle Creek.
Oxfordshire-based Whittington was chuffed with that run behind Altior and Un De Sceaux at Sandown.
He told Sun Racing: "He ran with plenty of credit in the Tingle Creek.
"I don't think he handled the really deep ground at the bottom of the hill.
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"When he got across the worst of it on the hurdles track and back onto the better ground on the chase track he ran on very well again.
"He was only a five-year-old at the time running against two horses who have won 15 Grade 1s between them, so it was a tall ask."
Saint Calvados is top-priced 8-1 for the €125,000 Grade 1 at Leopardstown this weekend.
Willie Mullins' Footpad is the 11-8 jolly, while the Irish champion trainer has also entered Min and Un De Sceaux.
Whittington is hoping that Mullins doesn't declare all of his big guns.
He said: "We are definitely leaning towards the Dublin Chase with the Game Spirit next weekend a back-up option.
"I'm not certain we want to take on all three of Willie's in one go at this stage, but if he only runs one or two we will go and have a crack.
"He is strengthening up all the time and I've got him really, really fresh.
"We couldn't be happier with him at the moment, he is still young and has a lot more to give.
"We are mindful not to over race him at this stage to ensure the longevity of his career. He will have four runs this season, five maximum.
"Fingers crossed we run him in the Dublin Chase and then it will be all roads to Cheltenham for the Champion Chase."