Gavin Cromwell believes a step-up in trip will suit Inothewayurthinkin in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas but cautions that he will only run if conditions are suitably soft.
The six-year-old delivered an eye-catching victory in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival before proving himself at Grade One level with a strong performance at Aintree. He began this season over two and a half miles in the John Durkan Memorial Chase, finishing well beaten behind Fact To File. Cromwell, however, is confident that stepping up to three miles will be in his favour.
“The plan is to run in the Savills,” said Cromwell. “I thought he ran OK at Punchestown—he jumped really well. When they turned in, the front ones quickened away, but he kept staying on all the way to the line..”
“He got a little bit tired, but two and a half miles is probably his minimum. The extra distance will really help him..”
“The ground is a concern, though, given the forecast. He’ll definitely need an ease in the surface, and if it’s too quick, he potentially won’t run.”
On Tuesday, Lorcan Wyer, clerk of the course, reported the chase course as good to yielding, yielding in places, leaving Cromwell to monitor conditions closely.
The trainer expects a busy Christmas period at Leopardstown and highlighted several noteworthy runners:
- Perceval Legallois is being aimed at the Paddy Power Chase. “He’s been a frustrating horse—he needs everything to fall his way. He’s had his share of hard luck stories and has crept up the handicap without winning, but hopefully, he’ll have his day. Better ground won’t be a problem for him.”
- If You Let Me will run in the two-mile handicap. “He’s a horse going the right way. He’d prefer nice ground, and we’re very happy with him.”
- Visionarian is set for the Grade One Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase. “On ratings, he’s a little behind the top contenders, but we’re hoping he might sneak a place.”
Cromwell also highlighted Hello Neighbour as one to watch among his younger prospects. The unbeaten three-year-old, successful in two Flat runs, will now go juvenile hurdling.
“Hello Neighbour is an exciting horse we’re really looking forward to,” Cromwell added. “He’ll be entered in the three-year-old maiden hurdle and the Grade Two. We’ll assess both options carefully—sometimes the maiden can be as competitive as the Grade Two..”
“He’s probably the one we’re most excited about this Christmas, even though he hasn’t run over hurdles yet.”