SUSIE IN “GREAT ORDER”AND SET FOR ANOTHER TRIAL
Ian Fortune
After impressing in a sprint trial at Shelbourne on January 15th, Susie Sapphire is set to have another spin at Shelbourne on Saturday evening with Owen McKenna confirming the superstar will be trialed over 525yds.
Said Owen of his Oaks and Derby champion, “She’s in great order. She was spot on after the last trial and we’ll give her a 525 on Saturday. The immediate plan is still the Easter Cup but we’ll take it one spin at a time.”
Of course, it’s been a good fortnight for Owen with Postman Cat impressing around Clonmel in the Rural Kennels Unraced, while Droopys Good is also a big player in the Gold Cup at Shelbourne Park. On Postman Cat, Owen said, “He’s a really nice dog. He took off the other night and really seems to be getting the hang of things. Peter [Comerford] always liked him and it’s easy to why.”
Emers Spike made his exit from the competition but Owen also has plenty of time for him. “He was running well when he got knocked over at the third turn. It wasn’t really his fault but he found himself in the wrong spot at the wrong time. He has great early and we’re just hoping he can start trapping like we know he can. He’s actually back in Clonmel this week for an A2 comp. It seemed an ideal opportunity for him.”
As for Droopys Good, McKenna is delighted with his charge. “He’s running well. He avoided the really hot heat which will help on Saturday and we’re hoping he traps better than he did last weekend. It was a bit strange that none of the trap one dogs broke well. When you look at the likes of Skywalker Barry, Zoom, Predator Scoby and our fella, they are all good starters and yet none of them came away. Hopefully, our fella will break better from two but he’s in good form.”