Slattery's Sors bids to cash in again in valuable Rockingham

2.45 Curragh
Tote Rockingham Handicap | 5f | ATR

With €100,000 on offer for less than a minute's work, the Tote Rockingham Handicap is one of the most lucrative races of its kind and Andy Slattery will be hoping Sors can cash in again.

With Killian Leonard back on board everything is in place for a successful reunion for last year's winners but Sors is now off a 12lb higher mark.

The British challenge is headed by Paul Midgley's trio of Naggers, Desert Law and Elysian Flyer.

Midgley has never hidden the fact that he holds Naggers in the highest regard and expects a bold show from his progressive sprinter.

What they say

Darren Bunyan, trainer of Hit The Bid
We always thought he was a good horse. It'll be a big ask for a three-year-old, but I wonder have many three-year-olds as good as him tackled this race? His form stacks up and he won very nicely at Cork. I actually felt he won snug and he was going away at the line. I'd be disappointed if he didn't run a big race.

Paul Midgely, trainer of Naggers, Desert Law and Elysian Flyer
I have no concerns about coming back in trip with Naggers. When he ran here last year, he was just beaten by the stiff track, so coming back to 5f on slowish ground should suit him. He has real potential and I could see him being rated well over 100. We have minded him all of his life and he is beginning to repay us. Desert Law has been an absolute star for us and if Naggers fails to fire, he could get involved. Elysian Flyer has a nice low weight and his chance would be better with the more rain that falls.

Patrick Prendergast, trainer of Go Kart
She ran a hell of a race at Cork last time and received a penalty for that. She is working well and I think she can produce a bold bid. She has been running consistently well and doesn’t know how to run a bad race.

Evanna McCutcheon, trainer of Maarek
Every season you just have to do something different to keep him happy. This year we got him a goat of all things and it seems to be working well. He was never a brilliant horse to work at home, he always saved it for the track, but nothing suggests he’s slowing down and I would be hopeful he can run well. Obviously, the more rain the better for him.

Andy Slattery, trainer of Sors
I'm quietly confident of a good run from him. I'm happy with how he is and he's tried and tested over these conditions, as he won this last year. I'm happy enough with the draw and I'm hoping for a good run.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Cenotaph
He seems well and if the ground keeps drying out it will be a big help to his chance.

Richard O’Brien, trainer of Patrick
He’s in very good form at home. We gave him a little break and it seems to have done him good. Hopefully he can run well.

Denis Hogan, trainer of Tithonus
We've given him a little break and he seems to be back in good shape. We're slightly worried that the ground might be a bit quick for him over five furlongs. We're putting the blinkers on him and if they gave us an extra length, it could mean a lot.