Former Gold Cup winning jockey Robbie Power is bullish about making his way into the winners’ enclosure today at Cheltenham with leading chances including Supasundae in the Stayers’ Hurdle.
Speaking to us direct from the course, Power ran the rule over his rides on Thursday and said his mount in the opener could be destined for bigger and better things:
1.30 - JLT Novices’ Chase
“Lostintranslation has been in great form all season and was a good winner over course and distance on New Year’s Day. Himself and Defi Du Seuil have been having some real battles and they’re one apiece now after Defi Du Seuil won at Sandown. It’ll probably boil down to the two of them again with Real Steel of Willie Mullins’ one who could be a danger.”
“But back at Cheltenham I’m a big fan of Lostintranslation. This could be a Gold Cup horse in the making and hopefully he can get his head in front of Defi Du Seuil and make it 2-1.”
2.10 Pertemps Network Final
“Walk To Freedom has been having a good season. He was a good winner at Navan and a good second in the qualifier at Christmas and he’s coming here straight off that. I don’t think this is the strongest Pertemps Final when you look back at the likes of Presenting Percy beating Jury Duty.
“I think Walk To Freedom has a good chance, he’s a 9-year-old, he’s battle hardened and he’ll appreciate the ground. He’s got top weight but there’s only a pound from top to bottom so he isn’t giving lumps away.”
“Jessica Harrington’s other runner Not Many Left won the qualifier at Huntington earlier in the year and the more the ground dries, the more it’ll suit him. He might be a bit inexperienced as a 6-year-old but he’d have a good each-way chance.”
2.50 Ryanair Chase
“It’s interesting that Ruby Walsh has chosen Footpad as I thought he was disappointing at Leopardstown at Christmas behind Simply Ned. He’ll need to be back to his very best. I know Un De Sceaux is 11 years of age now but his run behind Altior in the Tingle Creek is the best line of form coming into this race. He’s an old favourite of mine and I think he can win his title back after winning two years ago and finishing second last year.”
3.30 Stayers’ Hurdle
It’s a long time since Supasundae was out of the first three in a race and he’s been twice behind Apple’s Jade in Grade 1s this season. There’s no Penhill but it’s still competitive with Faugheen in there.
Paisley Park sets the standard in England. He’s been ultra-consistent, he’s on the upgrade and who knows when he’s going to stop, but I’m looking forward to riding Supasundae. We’re putting a tongue tie on him for the first time and hopefully it’ll make the difference.
4.50 Mares’ Novice Hurdle
Emily Moon bolted up in a Naas Maiden Hurdle last time when we dropped her back in trip after a few runs over further. She seemed to enjoy that and she was very impressive that day. On ratings she shouldn’t be as big a price as she is and there’s every chance she could find the improvement. Hopefully she runs a good race.”
Speaking to us direct from the course, Power ran the rule over his rides on Thursday and said his mount in the opener could be destined for bigger and better things:
1.30 - JLT Novices’ Chase
“Lostintranslation has been in great form all season and was a good winner over course and distance on New Year’s Day. Himself and Defi Du Seuil have been having some real battles and they’re one apiece now after Defi Du Seuil won at Sandown. It’ll probably boil down to the two of them again with Real Steel of Willie Mullins’ one who could be a danger.”
“But back at Cheltenham I’m a big fan of Lostintranslation. This could be a Gold Cup horse in the making and hopefully he can get his head in front of Defi Du Seuil and make it 2-1.”
2.10 Pertemps Network Final
“Walk To Freedom has been having a good season. He was a good winner at Navan and a good second in the qualifier at Christmas and he’s coming here straight off that. I don’t think this is the strongest Pertemps Final when you look back at the likes of Presenting Percy beating Jury Duty.
“I think Walk To Freedom has a good chance, he’s a 9-year-old, he’s battle hardened and he’ll appreciate the ground. He’s got top weight but there’s only a pound from top to bottom so he isn’t giving lumps away.”
“Jessica Harrington’s other runner Not Many Left won the qualifier at Huntington earlier in the year and the more the ground dries, the more it’ll suit him. He might be a bit inexperienced as a 6-year-old but he’d have a good each-way chance.”
2.50 Ryanair Chase
“It’s interesting that Ruby Walsh has chosen Footpad as I thought he was disappointing at Leopardstown at Christmas behind Simply Ned. He’ll need to be back to his very best. I know Un De Sceaux is 11 years of age now but his run behind Altior in the Tingle Creek is the best line of form coming into this race. He’s an old favourite of mine and I think he can win his title back after winning two years ago and finishing second last year.”
3.30 Stayers’ Hurdle
It’s a long time since Supasundae was out of the first three in a race and he’s been twice behind Apple’s Jade in Grade 1s this season. There’s no Penhill but it’s still competitive with Faugheen in there.
Paisley Park sets the standard in England. He’s been ultra-consistent, he’s on the upgrade and who knows when he’s going to stop, but I’m looking forward to riding Supasundae. We’re putting a tongue tie on him for the first time and hopefully it’ll make the difference.
4.50 Mares’ Novice Hurdle
Emily Moon bolted up in a Naas Maiden Hurdle last time when we dropped her back in trip after a few runs over further. She seemed to enjoy that and she was very impressive that day. On ratings she shouldn’t be as big a price as she is and there’s every chance she could find the improvement. Hopefully she runs a good race.”