Captivating Irish Contenders Make Waves in British Racing

Numerous noteworthy Irish contenders are set to showcase their talents in Britain this week, with John McConnell's Intense Approach headlining the Grade 2 Coral Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday.

The Jack Hobbs gelding encountered a tumble on his sole flight appearance at Wexford back in November. Nonetheless, McConnell remains optimistic about the prospects of this dual-bumper victor.

During a recent address in Dundalk, McConnell expressed his aspirations:

"The Dovecote at Kempton is a plausible target, as is the Premier Hurdle in Kelso, should we choose to pursue a Cheltenham route". 

Reflecting on Intense Approach's previous outing, McConnell noted,

"He wasn't at his best that day in Wexford, but his recent training performances have been very promising. He possesses significant talent, although we are yet to finalise whether we will retain his novice status next season. There are still exciting times ahead with him". 

Intense Approach is currently enlisted for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and the Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival.

Meanwhile, Stuart Crawford's Ballycoose demonstrated a triumphant debut over fences at Ayr in the previous month and is now primed for an extended 2m4f handicap chase at Newcastle this Saturday.

Jack Davison, who has been tasting success in Dundalk of late, has his 104-rated Thunderbear shouldering top-weight in the entries for the Listed BetUK Hever Sprint Stakes at Southwell on Saturday. Following a hiatus since his unplaced finish in Listed company at Naas last October, this four-year-old gelding is poised for a comeback. His last victory was in a Group 3 contest at Newbury in September.

Noteworthy too is Kevin Coleman's track record of success when sending runners across the Irish Sea. Benavente, one of his charges, is pencilled in for an extended mile handicap on the same Southwell card.