Custom connections hoping for big show Connections are hoping for a big run from top-weight Custom Cut in the BetVictor Irish Lincolnshire at the Curragh tomorrow. The four-year-old was one of the success stories of last season when running up a sequence of four wins for Tramore handler George Kent. The Notnowcato gelding excelled in testing conditions last year as he shot up through the handicap and will try to make the break through in pattern company this term. Custom Cut made his comeback at Dundalk earlier this month when he was just collared close home by the improving Captain Joy. Champion apprentice Ronan Whelan is back on board, having partnered him to success twice last year. “We started with a prep run this season at Dundalk and it was a nice starting place. He came out of it well and hasn't missed a beat since,” said George Kent junior, assistant to his father. “With the ground turning heavy I'm happy he's had that run now as he's a horse that needs to have his cobwebs blown away. “He definitely has form on the ground. Carrying 9st 9lb it's going to be fairly energy sapping ground. “It's always a competitive race but I'd like to think he can turn up and be competitive. If he finished in the first four it would be a great run and we could build on that again.” Kent is hoping the family's flag-bearer can find another bit of improvement this season to leave him competitive in pattern company. “These horses have to make the step up. If he finds those few pounds we can start to plot. He's rated 104 now and is probably entitled to compete in premier handicaps and Listed company. “Physically we're happy that's he's a stronger horse this season and it's up to us to find that improvement. “We have a private breeding operation and he's a family horse, so for a small yard to have a runner in these kinds of races is great.”
