Toner D'Oudairies (right)© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott bids to follow up last year's win of his Roi Du Mee in the featured Grade 3 Imperial Call Chase at Cork on Sunday where the Grand National winning trainer sends out Toner D'Oudairies for the same owners, Gigginstown House Stud.
Roi Du Mee was ridden to victory in last year's renewal by Jason Maguire and while that Grand National winner has recently been seriously injured and undergone surgery, Toner D'Oudairies will today be ridden by Davy Condon, who himself only returned to riding in February having fractured a knee at this venue in October.
Regarding Toner D'Oudairies, Elliott says “he's in good form and the step up to three miles should suit. The ground and track also should suit and while he gives weight to Noble Prince, he doesn't look quite the same horse he once on ratings so our fellow should have a good chance.”
Just one pound separates both Toner D'Oudairies (rated 150) and Noble Prince (149) and while the first mentioned must give the other six pounds, Noble Prince's trainer Paul Nolan has some reservations about running the gelding at a new venue.
He says “not every horse handles the fences at Cork but hopefully he will and the three miles will suit.”
“He had a very pleasing run at Cheltenham and nearly got into the frame and the drying ground should suit. His rating over fences probably flatters him and the horses he beat when he won at Thurles in January didn't do anything afterwards.”
The race is completed by five others with Supreme Doc (133), Caim Hill (130) and Carrigeen Lechuga (123) each identically treated at the weights but with plenty to find on the principals. Your Busy and Liz´s D´Estruval seemingly have further to find.
By Thomas Weekes
