MCKENNA HAPPY WITH BORDER TRIAL AND SUSIE IS “FINE”

Ian Fortune

Susie Sapphire may not be travelling to the UK for a crack at the Star Sports/ TRC English Derby but her kennel companion Ballymore Border will be doing so.

The Dublin Cup winner trialled at Towcester on Friday evening ahead of racing and clocked a decent 29.54.

Said Owen McKenna of the surprise decision, “John and Una [O’Sullivan] were keen to have a runner so they travelled over with the dog. They took off yesterday morning and got back this morning. He’s a very fast dog, does some superb trials for us. If the different mechanism at the traps over there got him starting just a little faster, he could surprise a few.

“The plan is to travel over and back with him and see how it goes. He’ll be back for a trial stake next week. We were pleased with the trial. It was a good first look.”

OAKS STILL THE PLAN FOR SUSIE

As for his star performer, Susie Sapphire.

Owen confirms she’s still on course for a crack at defending her Oaks title despite finishing last in her latest outing at Shelbourne Park.

“She’s feeling a little sorry for herself but it’s nothing. She’ll be fine. It was a hot race the last night and she just couldn’t quite clear them. The Oaks is still the plan.”