Sport

Crawford knows Fine Rightly

LARNE handler Stuart Crawford can plunder one of the big prizes at Leopardstown on Sunday, when Fine Rightly lines up in the €100,000 Coral.ie Leopardstown Handicap Chase.

Crawford is perhaps better known for his exploits across the water, but he has also shown he can hold his own against the big guns on home soil and he looks to have an exciting prospect in Fine Rightly.

The eight-year-old had some fine novice form last season, culminating in a Grade Three victory at Naas and there looks plenty more to come from him this season. He ran too freely on his return to action this term over hurdles at Navan but showed the benefit of that outing when scoring in good style over fences at the same course last month.

Jockey Andrew Lynch was very sweet on him after that victory and expected further improvement from the son of Alflora. This two-mile-five-furlong trip looks ideal for him and a 7lb rise for his last victory doesn’t look overly harsh as he seemed to win with a bit in hand.

Blood Cotil heads the weights and obviously has to be respected given connections. He also had a good novice campaign last season and bounced back from a disappointing run in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham to land a competitive handicap at Punchestown in good style.

A 12lb rise for that victory leaves him on a high enough rating for his return to action, however, and giving weight away all around won’t be easy on these more testing conditions.

Seabass has enjoyed himself over hurdles recently but still has a bit to prove off this handicap mark over fences. Gordon Elliott has done well with the previously disappointing Killer Crow and he could be a contender off a nice weight.

Crawford could be set for a good day in Dublin with Danielle’s Journey also looking a leading contender in the opening mares’ maiden hurdle. She ran well, on ground that wouldn’t have been ideal, at Down Royal on St Stephen’s Day, chasing home Conright Boy. Unfortunately she didn’t pick up any prize money then with her young jockey forgetting to weigh in, but compensation awaits.

The Coral.ie Hurdle looks as hard to work out as ever and if we’ve learned one thing in recent years it’s to stay away from those at the top of the handicap. Desoto County looks in off a nice racing weight and Jack Kennedy’s 5lb claim is a valuable asset in this kind of competitive race.

He won with a nice bit in hand at Thurles on his first start for the yard and Gordon Elliott has a knack of improving the horses he buys out of England.

Whatsforuwontgobyu won in eye-catching fashion over course and distance at the Christmas meeting and is another who looks to have a shout. Ruby Walsh’s decision to ride Buiseness Sivola has unsurprisingly seen his price collapse and he has to be respected.

NEVILLE RING


12.50pm: Danielle’s Journey (Dbl)


1.20pm: Pylonthepressure


1.50pm: Gallant Oscar


2.25pm: Desoto County


3pm: Fine Rightly (Nap)


3.30pm: Killultagh Vic


4pm: Clonkeen Lad

NEXT BEST


12.50pm: Billy’s Hope


1.20pm: Our Duke


1.50pm: Childrens List


2.25pm: Buiseness Sivola


3pm: Blood Cotil


3.30pm: Walk To Freedom


4pm: Aspen Colorado