RACING:TOM COOPER is targeting a crack at Kauto Star with his Cheltenham festival hero Forpadydeplasterer in next month's King George VI Chase but can secure some immediate success at Naas today with Son Amix.
The Co Kerry trainer is blaming the ground at Cheltenham for Forpadydeplasterer’s defeat on his last start and is hoping for a dry Christmas at Kempton.
“It was a bit disappointing he didn’t win the last day, but the ground is such a huge factor for him,” said Cooper yesterday.
“The ground at Cheltenham was quite dead and he was bobbing up and down and changing his legs because he was never comfortable on it. It was disappointing to be beaten when you consider we beat Paul Nicholls’ horse (Tataniano), but that’s the way it goes and the King George is still the plan,” he added.
“We’ve beaten Sizing Europe and he was only beaten four lengths by Kauto Star, but I suppose Kauto Star would be a different kettle of fish at Kempton. We’ll see.”
Son Amix takes on five opponents in today’s Fishery Hurdle. They include last season’s Triumph Hurdle third Alaivan who on figures comes out ahead of Son Amix but the Cooper horse has the advantage of a run already this season.
That was over two and a half miles at Naas when edged out by Shinrock Paddy and Cooper said yesterday: “We were receiving a lot of weight but in fairness our horse is a four-year-old and Shinrock is a six-year-old so we were entitled to get a bit. I think he has improved a lot for the run. Two and a half is really his trip but two around a stiff track like Naas should be alright.”
Cooper also runs River Liane in the conditions chase but this could turn into a tight clash between Psycho and Osana with the latter marginally preferred on figures after a decent run at Down Royal.
The top mare Shirley Casper is an interesting starter in the Beginners Chase but this looks a good opportunity for C’est Ca who holds Prince Of Fire on his fourth to Saludos at Navan.
Barry Geraghty teams up with Gordon Elliott for the ride on Lord Redsgirth in the opening maiden hurdle and there should be improvement from a fifth to Our Girl Salley at Navan.
