Punchestown pair all set for O’Loughlin

PA Sport Reporters
February 4, 2020 4:30 pm

County Meath trainer ready to take aim on Sunday.

Gearoid O’Loughlin has eyes on a big-race double at Punchestown with Space Cadet and Cedarwood Road.

Space Cadet, formerly with Gordon Elliott, is due to run in the Boylesports Grand National Trial – while Cedarwood Road is set to step up in class for the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle on Sunday’s card, having won at Leopardstown over Christmas.

After finishing fourth in the Troytown on his first run under Rules for his new handler, Space Cadet subsequently pulled up in the Welsh National.

“Space Cadet is in great form,” said O’Loughlin, who runs owner Chris Jones’ pre-training yard.

“He didn’t travel over that well to Chepstow – so we are happy to put a line through that Welsh National run, and we’re looking forward to Sunday.

“He’s going to have a lovely weight – and he’s run well in the race before – and this is the sort of test that should bring out the best in him.”

Willie Mullins’ Pleasant Company heads the weights – with Roaring Bull, Spider Web, Agusta Gold and Minella Till Dawn among 23 entries.

Cedarwood Road was hugely impressive at Leopardstown, winning by 11 lengths.

“He’s in good form and worked well this morning, so all being well he will run on Sunday,” said O’Loughlin.

“For us, it’s great to have a horse like him in the yard. It’s what you get up for in the morning, and there’s a great buzz around the yard at the moment because he’s a horse we really like.

“This is going to be step up in class for him, but we’re really looking forward to running him.”

Elliott’s Fighter Allen, owned by Jones, is another of the 11 entries for the Listed race which also include Beacon Edge, Grangeclare Native and Front View.

An interesting entry in the closing bumper is Elliott’s Ballyadam, whom Cheveley Park Stud bought for £330,000 after his victory in a Portrush point-to-point by four lengths.