Golden Cross is sharing favouritism for the JCB Triumph Hurdle after giving plenty of weight to most of his rivals when landing the odds in the Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Saturday.
The Michael Halford-trained gelding was driven to the front between the final two flights by Charlie Swan, and drew clear in impressive fashion on the run-in to beat Statim by four lengths. 'I think he may have just needed the run at Leopardstown last time, and that should leave him right now for the Triumph. Charlie was impressed with him today, and said he's a bit lazy but there was plenty of horse under him,' said Halford.
Golden Cross is 12/1 co-favourite, alongside Well Chief and Don Fernando, with Cashmans for the Triumph Hurdle, while Sean Graham cut him to the same price from 16's.
Rince Ri and Takagi are both 25/1 with Ladbrokes for the Martell Cognac Grand National after filling the first two placings in the Bobbyjo Chase. A mistake at the second last ended Takagi's challenge as Rince Ri stayed on well to score by six lengths. 'That was adequate, and it's nice to see him stick his nose in front as he was at death's door with colic last year. He's not going to be the horse we hoped he might be, but should win a few more races,' said Ted Walsh. 'The owners are not that keen on the National, and he may go for something else at Liverpool,' he added.
Papillon lost touch after halfway, coming home a distant last of the four finishers, and Walsh commented, 'He ran much the same as he did at Navan last Sunday and I will give him another run, probably in a three mile hurdle, to see if the old sparkle is still there before deciding on the National.'
What Odds, owned by the four-member Dee Racing Syndicate which includes renowned punter Mike Futter, heads for the Christies Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival after taking the opener. 'He really needs a strong gallop which he got there as he jumps and stays,' said local trainer 'Tucker' Geraghty of the four-time point-to-point winner.
The INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final was the most valuable event of the afternoon, and Jack High gave ill trainer Willie Rock a welcome boost when leading at the last under Garrett Cotter to beat Poker Pal by a length.
Alan Magee
