Evergreen Take Cover seeking first Group 1 success at ripe old age of 11

3.05 Curragh
Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes | 5f | Group 1 | 3yo+ | RTE2/ATR

The older he gets, the quicker he moves. Take Cover might be the grandad of the group but his ageing legs are showing no sign of slowing up, and his best chance of winning a Group 1 arrives at the ripe old age of 11.

Ireland's newest top-level contest, upgraded from a Group 2 for the first time, has not tempted over Battaash and a dirty scope has ruled out Blue Point, so the prize is very much up for grabs.

Three years ago Take Cover was third to Sole Power in this race. Two years ago he was only sixth to Ardhoomey. Could it be a case of third time lucky for the evergreen son of Singspiel?

Back-to-back Beverley Bullet victories suggest Take Cover is as good as ever and trainer David Griffiths has issued a positive report as his star heads into the 48th start of his career.

Griffiths said: "He's come out of Beverley in great shape. In fairness, all season he has been coming out of his races very well.

"It's not the strongest Group 1 ever run and I'd like to think he has every chance given the way he won at Beverley.

"I think the Curragh will suit him. He was third to Sole Power in the race before, although that was three years ago."

Take Cover could also contest a Group 3 at Newbury next weekend, although connections have spoken of drawing stumps after that.

What they say

Darren Bunyan, trainer of Hit The Bid
If the ground had been good to firm I'd have been very bullish. Hopefully the skies don't do too much damage. He's a bigger, stronger horse now anyway so will cope better with whatever ground he gets. Tipperary was a stepping stone for this and we were thrilled with him. He's in mighty form and we're hoping this will be his Group 1.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer Battle Of Jericho, Sioux Nation and Different League
Battle Of Jericho has done well over the trip and came out of his recent Navan win in good form. He hasn't done much since but we're happy with him. Sioux Nation was a bit disappointing at Goodwood last time but has been in good form since. Different League hasn't won this year but has run some good races, including at Tipperary last time. She handles ease so any further rain won't inconvenience her.

Karl Burke, trainer of Havana Grey
He's been great since York. I think he might have been third in the Nunthorpe had he raced on the other side. He had no company and he's a horse who battles when others come upsides him. He's shown already he likes the track, having won there earlier in the season, so this looks a good opportunity for him.

Fozzy Stack, trainer of Son Of Rest
He was third to Caravaggio in the race last year so we thought we'd have another go. Any rain would help his cause.

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