RACING:THE STAR stayer Fame And Glory kicks off his 2012 campaign at Navan tomorrow when trying to win back-to-back runnings of the Vintage Crop Stakes but could come up short this time against Unaccompanied.
Dermot Weld’s ultra-versatile mare faces a big ask on official ratings but looks to be running into Fame And Glory at the right time.
Last year the 2009 Irish Derby winner barely struggled home in this race en-route to a sparkling Gold Cup success at Ascot and on his first start of the season could be vulnerable again.
“He’s a good horse and he seems in good form at home, but he in particular is a horse who improves a lot for his first run of the year,” said Joseph O’Brien, who steps in for the suspended Jamie Spencer this weekend.
“He’s quite laid back at home and he’s a year older and wiser,” added O’Brien jnr.
The Weld team could have a good day all-round at Navan tomorrow with Ransomed Rose and the newcomer Secret Recipe.
Andrew McNamara may enjoy his trip to Limerick as Our Victoria looks more of a natural over fences than Shop Dj and can score in the mares chase, while Dunroe Boy could score for the jockey in the second division of the handicap hurdle.
Meanwhile, Camelot remains one of 24 colts still engaged in the Investec Derby after the latest scratchings stage.
Aidan O’Brien’s representative has been a warm order for the June 2nd Classic at Epsom all winter, but shortened to odds-on with many bookmakers after his smooth performance in the 2,000 Guineas.
There were no surprise drop-outs, with Thursday’s Dante Stakes winner Bonfire still engaged along with Lingfield Derby Trial winner Main Sequence.
O’Brien has plenty of support for Camelot as he has kept in Astrology, Father Of Science, Imperial Monarch and Tower Rock.
