SCARPETA ALL SET FOR CHELTENHAM
It will be a very exciting moment for the Thurloe Ireland team on Wednesday when their Willie Mullins trained five year old, SCARPETA, lines up for the Grade 1 Ballymore Novice’s Hurdle over 2 miles 5 furlongs. A son of Soldier of Fortune, Scarpeta came back from a long lay off to finish third first time out over hurdles in a very decent maiden at Navan last December. The form of that race subsequently worked out very well and he went to Gowran Park for his second attempt over hurdles, starting a short price favourite. He won that race very decisively, hacking up by an impressive 17 lengths on testing ground. The form from that race has been boosted handsomely and Scarpeta has won his right to line up in what is a very competitive Ballymore. He has improved at home and schooled well since the win which has pleased his champion trainer.
Festival winning jockey, Danny Mullins, takes the ride on Scarpeta on Wednesday in what will be a tough race. The very smart looking Samcro will start a short price favourite and Willie Mullins runs three other nice types in the race including the Grade 1 winning, Next Destination. It is a thrill to have a runner in such an exciting race and we hope he runs well and comes back safe and sound. He has a very exciting future ahead of him as a dual purpose horse.