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Cromwell feels Finale has more to offer

Reponse Finale and Rob Whearty Reponse Finale and Rob Whearty
© Healy Racing Photos

Having come close to landing a three-timer within the space of four days earlier this month, trainer Gavin Cromwell believes that Reponse Finale may still be ahead of the handicapper.

A winner on her stable debut at Gowran Park, the grey filly then dwelt badly at Cork before flashing home to lose out by three-quarters-of-a-length.

Despite another poor break, the daughter of Inns Of Court added a second win when scoring at Dundalk on her most recent start.

Cromwell said: "If we could iron that problem (breaking from the stalls) out, there's more scope there. We have been doing a bit at home, but unfortunately at home she jumps really well, so it is a bit frustrating. It is just at the track she gets a bit uptight. We'll keep working on it.

"She is a very straightforward horse, and I think riding a normal race with her would be absolutely fine too if she jumped well."

A reserve on the subsequently abandoned card at Bellewstown on Tuesday, Cromwell felt that not getting a run may benefit the four-year-old in the long run: "She has (been electric), but maybe it is not the end of the world she didn't get in. She had three runs in the week, and this is coming soon enough off the back of that. It is no harm and she is fine."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.