Truckers Delight

Truckers Delight was an impressive winner of the finale at The Curragh on Derby weekend, the two-mile handicap. Settled well in mid-division early by Declan McDonogh, the son of Drazari made nice progress from the top of the home straight to arrive, travelling well, just in behind the leaders, and picked up impressively from a furlong and a half out to win nicely. This was his first win on the flat, but he had given an indication that a performance like this was on the cards when he was an impressive winner of a handicap hurdle at this year's Punchestown Festival. Rated 114 in Ireland over hurdles before Punchestown, he is now rated 126 in that sphere, so it was hardly surprising that his mark of 78 on the flat could have under-rated his ability. The flat handicapper has now raised him to a mark of 86, but that still may not be enough.

The GPT Amateur Riders' Handicap at the Galway Festival at the end of July is apparently next on 'Shark' Hanlon's gelding's agenda, and he has to be on the shortlist for that even now. He ran three times at last year's Festival, running well on each occasion, including in a two-mile-five-furlong handicap hurdle, which ultimately proved to be too far, and winning a two-and-a-quarter-mile qualified riders' hurdle under Patrick Mullins. It would not be a surprise to see Mullins in the plate again on the first day of the Galway Festival this year, and it would not be a surprise either to see him going close to winning the race. His mark of 86 should see him get into the race below the 11st mark, and that would be fine. All going well there, surely the Galway Hurdle will also be on his radar. He looks like an improved performer this term, and he should be worth following.

28th June 2009

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