Gilgamboa in the Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan
Sunday 15 February 2015 15:43, UK
Enda Bolger is keeping his fingers crossed Gilgamboa can make the most of having his sights lowered in the Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan on Sunday.
The JP McManus-owned seven-year-old made a fine start to his career over fences at Navan in early November and was a brilliant winner at Limerick over Christmas.
He was no match for the incredible front-runner Un De Sceaux in last month's Irish Arkle at Leopardstown, but was only narrowly denied the runner-up spot by Clarcam and has less on his plate in this weekend's Grade Two contest.
Bolger said: "He came out of the Leopardstown race in good knick and we're looking forward to getting him out again on Sunday.
"He obviously followed a freak the last day and it was a bit fast and furious for him, but hopefully he'll be more in his comfort zone this time around.
"There is a bit of rain forecast, which is a key factor for him and we'll see how he goes before we make any plans.
"All those sort of things (Cheltenham) will be discussed on Sunday or next week."
Gilgamboa is opposed by four rivals and concedes weight to each, but is still clear on official ratings.
Gigginstown House Stud are double-handed, with retained rider Bryan Cooper siding with the Mouse Morris-trained Real Steel over Henry de Bromhead's Leopardstown handicap winner Bishops Road, the mount of Davy Russell.
Speaking in his Racing FX blog, Cooper said: "Gilgamboa will be hard to beat, but we'll give it a go. He would have been second to Vautour at Leopardstown the last day, but he fell at the last.
"I'd say he'll want a little further than this in the future."
Morris also runs Dromnea, a winner of his last two starts at Limerick and Fairyhouse, who steps up to graded company for the first time.
The trainer has challenged his pair to put it up to Gilgamboa.
Morris said: "They both have their chances, so we'll see what happens."Real Steel was running well the last day until he tipped up and I think he'll come on again for that.
"The other horse (Dromnea) is stepping up in class and we'll see if he can step up to the plate. There aren't many options for him."
Matthew Smith's Rawnaq completes the line-up.
