Those of you who hold Ante-post tickets for Samcro to win this year’s Ballymore at the Cheltenham Festival can relax this afternoon - you will, at the very least, get a run for your money.
Eddie O’Leary has been giving some updates on his string’s Cheltenham plans in a refreshingly transparent way.
In his customarily curt style, the Gigginstown Racing Manager has revealed that Samcro will indeed run in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle over 2m 5f. There had been speculation that he might stay at 2m, a trip which he own over at the Dublin Racing Festival, and race in the Supreme Novices'.
Speaking to the Racing Post, though, O'Leary has made clear what the plan is for his star hurdler.
"It has always been our intention to run Samcro in the Ballymore and nothing has changed,” he said.
“He runs in the Ballymore and that's final. We think that he will be a nice chaser over three miles for next season so, even though he won the Deloitte over two miles, he won't be running in the Supreme.
"We don't do hype so Samcro will have to go out and show us what he is made of in the Ballymore. Hopefully he will get there in one piece."
Samcro has long been odds-on for the Ballymore and is a 4/6 shot with most firms this afternoon.
Apple’s Jade is another Gigginstown Horse that is remarkably versatile with regard to trip and, although the Mares' Hurdle has long been her stated target, rumours have abounded that connections might through her in against the boys to contest the Stayers Hurdle over 3m.
O’Leary, again, has been dismissive of this idea when speaking to the Racing Post.
"Apple's Jade will run in the Mares' Hurdle and won't be running in the Stayers'. That has always been her aim and nothing has changed. She's in great form," he said.
She’s an 8/13 shot for that one and, just like her stablemate, looks set to be one of the hotpots of the four days.
