Clondaw Castle will sidestep Festival en route to Aintree
Tom George likens improving chaser to former stable star Nacarat.
Tom George has decided to skip the Ultima Handicap Chase next week with Clondaw Castle and instead target the Betway Bowl at Aintree. The nine-year-old gave George a third win in the Close Brothers Handicap Chase at Kempton last month on what was his first run over three miles. With a new rating of 160, George has drawn comparisons with former stable star Nacarat – who won the Kempton race in 2009 before going on to finish a close third in the Melling Chase at Aintree the same season. “We’re going to wait for Aintree,” said the Cotswolds trainer. “It (top weight) would be a very tough ask in a race like the Ultima, so we’ll go for the Bowl over three miles. “He’s basically got the same sort of profile as Nacarat had at the same stage – that’s what we did with him, stepped him up in class, so we’ll keep him fresh for that.” Clondaw Castle had continued to please his trainer since his victory last month. “He’s amazing, because he seems to be improving again,” George added. “Kempton hardly took anything out of him – he only lost three kilos. “He seems to have really stepped his game up again and he came out of the race very well. “We always thought he would improve for going up in trip, but you always like to see it happen when it does. “He’s rated 160 now, so he’s ready for the next step up.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Hugely-popular hurdler Limestone Lad dies at the age of 32
Bowe family have such fond memories of horse who wore his heart firmly on his sleeve.
-
Blue is the colour again for Frankie in Al Quoz Sprint
Dettori will rekindle Godolphin connection when riding Star Of Mystery.
-
Big year for Auguste Rodin starts in Sheema Classic
Brilliant dual Derby winner looks to have the world at his feet as a four-year-old.
-
Lord North and Dettori bidding for Dubai Turf four-timer
Evergreen veterans will team up again at Meydan on Saturday.
-
Fox clear to ride Grand National favourite Corach Rambler
BHA speculation jockey could miss Aintree due to suspension.
-
‘Revelation’ Dear My Friend out to continue hot streak
Last season’s Burradon Stakes winner goes for the Mile this year.
-
Mick Appleby struggling to split Sprint duo
Juan Les Pins and Billyjoh both fancied to run well on All-Weather Finals Day.
-
Easter Classic contender Penzance still improving
Appleby: ‘He’s in good order and he would be our best chance of a winner on Friday.’
-
Dane O’Neill calls time on career following injury battle
Veteran rider can call on some great memories from his days in the saddle.