Gordon Elliot hopes Samcro’s winless campaign last winter proves to be “a blessing in disguise” when the seven-year-old makes his fencing debut at Down Royal today.
Samcro, who faces six rivals for the beginners’ chase, proved the dominant force in his novice hurdle campaign two seasons ago, scoring twice at the highest level, including with a victory in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March 2018.
A decision to aim Samcro at the Champion Hurdle — in preference to a novice chasing campaign — proved fruitless as as Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary’s star was defeated in all three outings. But yesterday Elliott reported of Samcro, on whom Keith Donoghue replaces Jack Kennedy: “He’s been working well.
“The way the ground worked out, it might be a blessing in disguise he didn’t go jumping fences last year. He has had a wind operation and his work seems to be very good at home.”
Peter O’Hehir's tips
12.40.Fury Road (Nap)
1.10.Daylight Katie
1.45.Coko Beach
2.20.Classic Concorde
2.55.Samcro
3.30.Jack Dillinger
4.05.Powerful Ted
Next Best
12.40.Face The Odds
1.10.Emily Moon
1.45.Coeur Sublime
2.20.Se Mo Laoch
2.55.Trappist Monk
3.30.Callthebarman
4.05.Pencilfulloflead
Double: Fury Road and Samcro.
O’Hehir’s Longshot: Magistralis (2.20.)
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