GLENCOVE MARINA takes the second step on his comeback at Clonmel today, where the former Grade One performer can get the better of some talented, high-profile opposition, writes Brian O’Connor.
Willie Mullins has opted not to pitch Glencove Marina into Sunday’s Hennessy, but this afternoon’s Kilcash Chase will be no soft-touch for a horse the champion trainer once rated as talented as anything he has ever had through his hands.
The Thyestes winner Whinstone Boy will line up alongside last year’s winner, Hurricane Carter, but both have to concede a significant 8lb to Glencove Marina.
The winner of six of his 10 career starts, Ruby Walsh’s mount was a Grade One winner over hurdles at Punchestown in 2007.
And he looked a star chaser in the making the following winter before injury consigned him to the sidelines for almost two years.
Glencove Marinareturned to action on New Year's Eve in the hurdle race that was Hardy Eustace's last start, and was understandably rusty in finishing third.
He should strip significantly sharper now, and the weight concession could prove decisive for a horse still quoted at fancy odds for the Gold Cup.
This afternoon's Listed Hurdle sees the Mullins-Walsh team represented by Quadrillon, but significantly Colm Murphy gives Quito De La Roqueanother crack at his Navan victor, Glenstal Abbey.
Paul Townend will ride the star bumper performer For Billin the mares novice hurdle, and Michael Winters' charge looks better than her scrambling maiden victory here in December might suggest.
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