Punchestown Festival News: Gabynako aiming to besiege Barberstown Castle for Gavin Cromwell
- Tom Reed
- 28 April 2022
Gavin Cromwell has some class horses on his books and Gabynako is looking to follow the form of the likes of Flooring Porter by winning the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase on Thursday, April 28.
Gabynako finished a strong second to Edwardstone in the Arkle and trainer Gavin Cromwell is hoping his seven-year-old can end his season with a bang in the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase.
The Tirwanako gelding was supplemented for the the Arkle at last month's Cheltenham Festival and the move paid dividends with an impressive runner-up placing in the prestigious two miles Grade 1.
Cromwell said: "He's been running very well and it would be fantastic to get his head in front.
"He's come out of Cheltenham well and we're happy that he's in good nick. We're looking forward to it.
"He ran a blinder in the Arkle. We were just unfortunate to bump into Edwardstone, who was very good, but he ran a cracker in defeat.
"I think he's probably better on better ground, so fingers crossed."
Willie Mullins isn't taking the Barberstown Castle lightly meanwhile, sending four runners including the likely favourite Gentleman De Mee who managed to put Edwardstone to the sword at Aintree three weeks ago.
The talented Blue Lord, Haut En Couleurs and Saint Sam complete the hefty Closutton contingent.
Blue Lord finished a respectable third in the Arkle but before that was on a three race win streak and connections will be hoping for an eye-catching run this time. Haut En Couleurs is owned by Joe and Marie Donnelly who also have none other than Shishkin and the racing patrons will be hoping their charge can improve on a sixth in the Arkle, carrying the yellow and black family silks.
Saint Sam didn't have much taken out in the Arkle after having his rider early doors and Mullins will be looking for a completed round this time with the potential of troubling the front three if on his game.
Henry De Bromhead isn't having too much luck at Punchestown with both Bob Olinger and Minella Indo pulled up in big races and will be hoping for more from his pair of Coeur Sublime and Maskada.
Couer Sublime didnt jump particualarly well in the Arkle, finishing seventh while Maskada is the lowest rated in the race and looks to need a trebuchet to scale the Barberstown Castle.
