Golantilla set for step up in class Owner Barry Connell believes Golantilla is finally ready to fulfil his potential following an impressive chasing debut at Killarney. The seven-year-old looked destined for big things after finishing third in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival two years ago, but then spent almost a year on the sidelines. His second Champion Bumper tilt was disappointing, but he did manage to win over hurdles last season, as well as finishing third in a Grade One at Leopardstown over Christmas. Making his first start since March on his debut for trainer Alan Fleming, the former Tony Martin inmate was a decisive winner at Killarney last weekend and is set for an imminent step up in class. Connell said: "We were very happy with him as he wouldn't have been fully wound up. "He'd had his wind done since the last time he ran and I think that's made a big difference to him. "I was particularly happy with the way he jumped - he seems a natural over fences - and we already know he has a good engine. "Hopefully we've sorted one or two things out now and we can get him back to his best. "He doesn't have many miles on the clock and I think he'll be well able to compete in the better Graded races. "I think he'll probably go for a Grade Three race at Roscommon next on September 28th."
