Moyhenna (centre)© Photo Healy Racing
Denis Hogan is hoping Moyhenna rsquo;s luck turns for the better in the Charleville Cheese Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase at Limerick.
Hogan rides as well as trains the seven-year-old, and has been unshipped the last twice when Moyhenna has held every chance.
Setting the pace at Fairyhouse last month, she still had a narrow advantage over Missy Tata — who re-opposes for Gordon Elliott on Sunday — when falling at the second-last fence.
It looked like she might gain compensation at Thurles last week only to unseat Hogan at the third-last fence, leaving Kilbarry Calling to land the spoils.
Hogan feels the softer ground will suit her when she bids for glory in the Grade Two over an extended two and three-quarter miles.
“It’s been frustrating,” said the County Tipperary trainer.
“She fell upsides Missy Tata at Fairyhouse, and then she got shut of me three out in Thurles.
“Obviously Missy Tata is highly thought of and highly-rated, but we’re looking forward to it. Conditions have come right for her now, so that’s a big help.
“I think it’s been the good ground and going that stride quicker, it’s not ideal for her. I’m a lot happier and glad with what she’s been doing. We’ve had her schooling, so I hope she puts in a clear round for a start.” Dawn Shadow is also on a retrieval mission after being out of luck since opening her account over fences at Galway in October.
Dot Love ’s seven-year-old was a Listed winner over hurdles and has been placed at a higher level.
Her assistant Ciaran Murphy said: “Things haven’t gone to plan over fences since Galway — but we’re thinking now, with soft ground and a step up in trip, is going to bring out improvement. We’re looking forward to it.
“She’s a smart mare, and if she comes back to her best we’d be hopeful of a good run.”
Garrett Ahern expects Sweet Destination rsquo;s jumping to be her best weapon.
“All her better form would be on better ground and going left handed,” said the County Cork handler.
“(But) the form she’s in, we’ll be hoping to get a bit of black type.
“Danny (Mullins) just said the last day in Thurles going right-handed didn’t really bother her, so we’re just hoping it shouldn’t this time either.
“She may be be up against it, but we’re hoping to be thereabouts. She’s a handicapper running in a novice, so she can jump.”
