PETER BUILDING A NICE TEAM
Ian Fortune
It seems that each and every year around this time, Peter Cronin finds himself with a few bright prospects.
Of course, they normally head across the water with their handler for a tilt at the English Derby and, more often than not, perform with real credit.
In fact, he has reached the English Derby decider a number of times and has twice sent out the runner-up including last year. He talked us through a few of his new arrivals and, by all accounts, it seems he has plenty to be excited about.
TOFFEE LOOKS A PROSPECT
Once again, he is putting together a very nice team for the remainder of 2023.
Only last night Toffee Man, who was recently purchased by the Flanagans of “Faypoint” fame, posted a stunning 28.61 in the quarter finals of the Future Champion & Michael Fortune Memorial at Enniscorthy.
A half-brother to last year’s English Derby runner-up, the artist formerly known as Kildare, he looks a tremendous prospect.
RAMONA COULD BE A STAR
On Friday just gone, Chelms Ramona emerged a superb winner of the Brownstown Tango & NTSC Open Unraced Bitch 525, seeing off a talented field in a rapid 28.49.
Lee Harris’ star joined Peter Cronin at the end of the evening and he will likely target the Oaks with his newest recruit. She certainly looks very exciting.
JAGUAR COULD BE ANYTHING
So too does another recent purchase, Chelms Jaguar.
A half brother to the exceptional Dromana Bucko, he was recently bought from Noel Hehir by Lee Harris after a sensational debut run at Galway when clocking 28.78. Formerly known as Ivy Hill Jaguar, he looks a rare prospect and Peter is looking forward to bringing him to Shelbourne in the near future for a few races.
SKIPPY TO DEBUT SOON
Not stopping there, Harris also purchased Chelms Skippy (Formerly Toast Of Dez).
An unraced son of Pestana, he boasts some fine trial form with a 17.46 sprint trial and 28.55 trial for the standard trip at Tralee. He too will be heading to Shelbourne for a few races.
FRANKIE A FUTURE STAYER
He could also have a nice stayer on his hands with Chelms Frankie (Formerly Rapido Frankie) coming back to him.
He was recently sold at the Towcester sales, purchased by lee Harris, and now returns to Peter, who had him originally. He recently won over 575yds at Newbridge in a fast 31.45.
What was so taking about the display was the fact that he was a mile off the pace at the second turn but finished with real purpose to eventually win by two and a half lengths.
With the likes of Trinity Junior, Forest Willow, All About Annie, Newhall Bonnie and Billericay Joe already in the kennel, it seems Peter Cronin will have plenty of ammunition to go to war with in the coming months.