Birrane banking on Captain to make long journey worthwhile

Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Awards 2017 Handicap | 6f | 3yo+ | ATR

Fergal Birrane gets set for a near ten-hour round trip every time he sets off for Dundalk but the long journeys have been fruitful exercises in recent weeks and the County Mayo-based trainer will be bidding to claim another victory with Captain Dion.

Formerly trained in Britain by Kevin Ryan, who is represented by Naadirr in the race, Captain Dion ran a fine race on debut for his new yard when third over the minimum trip here a fortnight ago.

Birrane is expecting his charge to improve for the experience and said: "He should have a very good chance. We've put the tongue-tie back on him and I'm hoping it will make a difference.

"He ran well on his debut for us a fortnight ago and has improved for that. It's funny because Kevin Ryan has Naadirr in the race and he used to train our fella, so it will be interesting to see how it works out. Hopefully, it makes the long journey worthwhile."

Naadirr, who is accustomed to travelling, will be making his Irish debut on a surface he has been campaigned sparingly on.

Nevertheless, Ryan expects Naadirr to perform well and said: "He's been in very good form and his last couple of runs have been some of his best.

"He's run well at Kempton before and we don't see the track posing any difficulties for him."

Russian Soul, a seven-time winner on the all-weather for Michael Halford, will be making his return for the stable after spending the year with Jamie Osborne.

Halford, who also saddles Golden Pearl, said: "It's good to have him back and we know he really likes Dundalk. If they go fast it will help him as he likes to run off a strong pace. He came back looking great from Jamie Osborne's and he's in good form.

"While Golden Pearl is 8lb wrong in the handicap there are few other opportunities for her and when Gordon Lord Byron wasn't declared we said we'd take our chance."

Ado McGuinness is hoping Rivellino gains just reward for some solid efforts in defeat of late. He said: "I was a little disappointed to see him handed stall ten but he ran well from that draw last week. He's been running very well lately and is due another win. We're expecting a big run."

David Marnane is hopeful Alfredo Arcano can be in the shake-up and said: "He's in great heart and I think he's improving all the time.

"He ran well when second over five furlongs here last time, when the winner just had a bit too much boot for him, and I think the step up to six won't do any harm."

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