Saltonstall in winning action at Galway© Photo Healy Racing
Ado McGuinness enjoyed a welcome change of fortune when successful with Harry’s Bar at Dundalk yesterday and the Lusk-based yard is looking forward to some big targets in the coming weeks.
First up is the Paddy Power Scurry Handicap at the Curragh on Saturday where Laugh A Minute is likely to take his chance despite ground conditions riding on the fast side.
McGuinness’ assistant Stephen Thorne said, “The ground this time of year doesn't really suit him, he's definitely a horse that prefers a bit of ease but we are going to have a crack at it on the weekend. It is a big pot of money.
"He's in good nick but he can just struggle a bit on fast ground. Hopefully they will have it well watered at the weekend."
The Joe Murphy-trained Gustavus Weston tops the weights for this €100,000 extended six-furlong sprint, while recent course winner Coumshingaun, Andreas Vesalius and English raider Mr Wagyu are all near the head of an open market with the sponsors.
McGuiness has enjoyed great success at the Galway Festival in recent years winning the latest three renewals of the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap including twice with Saltonstall, while the yard is also seeking a hat-trick in the Sunday highlight — the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap — after Current Option scored twice.
Casanova (second) and Saltonstall (fourth) both ran well in the €100,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nasrullah Handicap at Leopardstown last week and all roads again lead back to Ballybrit with Saltonstall.
Thorne said, “Some of them have just been a little bit high in the ratings and they have naturally had to drop to be competitive. They are all coming to the boil now, we hope.
"Saltonstall was fourth last week in the Nasrullah and we are delighted with him. He will be going for the mile, and the seven (Ahonoora) at Galway, fingers crossed.”
Quotes by Michael Graham
