Liz Doyle
suffered a major blow losing Le Vent D’Antan at Leopardstown on Sunday, but there could be some Grade 3 consolation at Clonmel today with
another fine prospect, Kauto Grand Mogul.
The Co Wexford trainer had justifiable Cheltenham ambitions for Le Vent D’Antan prior to his final fence fall in the Flogas Novice Chase where he incurred fatal shoulder injuries.
As a half brother to Kauto Star, Kauto Grand Mogul has always been a focus for attention and is currently a 25-1 shot for both the Neptune and the Albert Bartlett next month.
Victory in Clonmel’s Surehaul Novice Hurdle could book his ticket to the Cotswolds and his Thurles win in December suggests this trip is right up his street.
Both he and Meausreofmydreams have to concede weight while Bryan Cooper has chosen Roi De Francs from the Gigginstown trio.
Fine Article represents the in-form Paul Nolan but needs to brush up his jumping so Kauto Grand Mogul may be the best option.
“I think he’s good enough to win it,” Doyle confirmed. “If he puts it all together and jumps well he’s got every chance, so we’re hopeful of a very good run.”
It is three years since the former Grade 1 winner Rubi Light has won a race, but trainer Robert Hennessy looks to have found him an opportunity in the Patsy O'Brien Chase, where the out-of-form Turban could be vulnerable.
Dalmatia is the sole four-year-old in the mares maiden hurdle but gets a lot of weight considering she was third behind dead-heaters Gladiator King and Prince Of Scars on her last start.
