Rose of the Moon eyes National tilt

A POSSIBLE tilt at the Crabbie’s Grand National could be on the cards for Rose Of The Moon 
after David O’Meara’s grey shone at Wetherby yesterday in the Star Sports Cheltenham Preview – 3rd March Interactive Handicap Chase.

The nine-year-old is laden with stamina and having been given a chance by the handicapper his confidence will be sky high once more.

Having looked a promising novice – one of his two previous wins was over this extended three miles – he lost his way somewhat after being upped in class at Newbury.

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Rose Of The Moon was then beaten a long way over the National fences in the Becher Chase but dropped another 3lb and down in class he was able to stamp his authority.

Left to battle it out with Real Milan over the last six furlongs, the 3-1 chance jumped far more fluently in the straight for AP McCoy and gradually pulled nine lengths clear under hands-and-heels riding. “He won here last season so obviously likes the place,” said O’Meara.

“The key to him is he has to be fresh, so we’ll be bearing that in mind for the future.

“He ran in the Becher Chase so you’d think the Grand National would probably have to come into calculations, with races like the Midlands and Scottish Nationals, too.

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“We took him out at Newcastle the other day as that was heavy but I felt (yesterday) it walked more soft than heavy so he took his chance. Good to soft is best for him, I think.”

Today sees Catterick stage Yorkshire National Hunt action but the country’s spotlight is on Lingfield where Frankie Dettori says he cannot wait to get back in the saddle.

The three-times champion jockey has three booked rides at the Surrey track as he makes his comeback after being sidelined since early October when he suffered a fractured ankle in a fall going down to the start before a race at Nottingham.

Dettori said: “I’ve had three and a half months off and I’m ready to start. I’m looking forward to it.

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“The weather is a bit chilly for me, but you’ve got to start somewhere. I’ve been on the treadmill and I’ve been swimming.

“I’ve been riding out as well, but there’s nothing like racing.”

Dettori kicks off on Eco Warrior in the opening coral.co.uk Median Auction Maiden Stakes for John Hills, who is pleased to have him on board.

“It’s very exciting. You can’t have a runner and have a man like him on the bench,” said the Upper Lambourn trainer.

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“He ran a really good race before Christmas and everything went wrong last time, but if he puts his best foot forward he could win.

“Hopefully he’ll give Frankie a good ride and get the show back on the road.”

Dettori then teams up with the Jeremy Noseda-trained Gone With The Wind in the 32Red.com Maiden Stakes over six furlongs on the Polytrack.

Alexandra Dunn has also taken advantage of Dettori’s services as he will ride Exemplary in the 32Red Conditions Stakes for the Somerset handler.

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The seven-year-old will be reverting to the Flat for a fast-track qualifier for the all-weather finals day at Lingfield on Good Friday.

Dunn said: “He’s ridden the horse before and the horse went well for Frankie. Hopefully, he’ll give him a good ride.

“Frankie’s got a good past relationship with the horse.

“It’s common sense to try to get someone who gets on well with the horse, so I contacted his agent.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s card at Doncaster, Annie Power is among 11 entries for the OLBG.com Doncaster Mares’ Hurdle at Town Moor on Saturday after the Grade Two heat was re-opened.

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Willie Mullins’s charge has swept all before her in nine wins so far and would be an exciting runner if she were to step back in trip for the extended two-mile contest.

The John Quinn-trained Cockney Sparrow is ready to return to the fray again after she finished an excellent second to My Tent Or Yours in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on her latest start.

“She’s fine, she’s been in good form since Newcastle,” said Malton-based Quinn.

“I’ve been very happy with her, she ran a good race there.

“The ground won’t matter to her, if it dries up or rains, it won’t make that much difference.

“It’s two miles again and she’s got plenty of boot. Whatever she does, really we are in bonus time with her already.”