Curran hopeful for Star Trainer Tony Curran is more hopeful than confident that Flemenstar can win an "away game" in today's Betfair Ascot Chase. The 11-year-old was one of the stars of the division when striking three times at Grade One level in 2012, but it is fair to say there have been a few bumps in the road since. A successful association with former trainer Peter Casey was brought to an end after a disappointing showing at Aintree the following year and a subsequent stint with Tony Martin was plagued by injury, leading to owner Stephen Curran handing the reins to his son. While it is fanciful to suggest Flemenstar is the force of old, he has been performing to a consistently high level this season and got his rewards with a first victory in over two years over Christmas, profiting from the late exit of the brilliant Un De Sceaux. Curran's charge has now crossed the water for the first time since his appearance on Merseyside almost three years ago and the County Meath handler is keeping his fingers crossed the travel problems that have troubled him previously will not be an issue this weekend. "He arrived at the track on Thursday night and the lads were happy enough. He travelled as well as can be expected," said Curran. "He has a bit of time to settle in, hopefully he'll eat up well and he'll be ready to go. "In fairness to him, he's been running well all year. He's had a few good runs and to win in Leopardstown at Christmas was great. We're happy enough that way. "It's an away game for us, with the travel and everything else, but we felt it better to let him take his chance now while the ground is right, rather than waiting for Cheltenham when the ground might be gone. "We're just hoping all goes well, he runs his race and comes back safe and sound." Andrew Lynch has steered Flemenstar to each of his 10 triumphs under Rules and feels a step up in distance will help him after chasing home Felix Yonger in the Tied Cottage at Punchestown last month. "I schooled him earlier in the week and he seemed to be well in himself, so fingers crossed he'll go well," the jockey told At The Races. "Two miles around Punchestown is just a little bit sharp for him these days. Two-miles-five around Ascot should be ideal and I'm hoping for a very good run. "For a Grade One it's probably an easier option than going to Cheltenham. "You still have good horses in there, but I wouldn't swap my lad. "At his height he was in the 170s. He's after dropping down in the ratings now, but he's still a very good horse."
