The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
The highlight of the jumps racing calendar takes place this week and prominent Clare racing personalities tell Michael Duggan about their main fancies
John Costello (Newmarket-on-Fergus trainer) – “I fancy Nicky Henderson’s I Am Maximus if he gets into the Coral Cup. He had a great run when second (only beaten two lengths) to Hillcrest at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. Hillcrest is now rated 148, I Am Maximus is 134, I think he’s very well handicapped on that form.
Neil Casey (Clarecastle bookmaker) – “I’m a big Bob Olinger fan. He won over hurdles at the meeting 12 months ago and his two wins over fences this season have been impressive. He faces a strong field in the Turners Novices’ Chase, but I think he’ll win. I give Onetheropes a big each-way shout at a decent price in the National Hunt Chase too.”
Grainne O’Connor (Tubber trainer) – “My best bet for the Festival is Alaphilippe in the Pertemps Network Hurdle Final. He won a point-to-point in Bellharbour for my husband Paurick when we had him. He’s trained quite close to Cheltenham by Fergal O’Brien whose horses are in terrific form. Fifth in the Albert Bartlett 12 months ago, I’d say this race has been his target for a while.”
Paul O’Neill (Quin jockey) – American Mike stands out for me in the Champion Bumper. He won a Listed bumper in Navan before Christmas by 17 lengths without ever coming off the bridle. He reportedly did a sparking piece of work at Fairyhouse recently and, while it looks a hot race, I think he’ll come out on top.”
Richard O’Brien (Kilmaley-born trainer) – “I fancy Minella Indo in the Gold Cup. He really seems to come alive in the spring and his last effort when runner-up in the Irish Gold Cup seemed to indicate he was coming back to himself. He has been there, done it and can do it again.”
