Robbie Power On Samcro, Road To Respect & Sizing John’s Return

Samcro was disappointing at Down Royal and, to me, he looks more like a stayer as he doesn’t jump quick enough to be a Champion Hurdle horse in my opinion.

I’ve got no doubt that he’ll improve a lot for the run and if he was to meet the same opposition in two weeks he’d probably beat them, but…

whether he’s up to beating Buveur d’Air or not, I’m not so sure.

I think they’ll still stick to the plan of going for a Champion Hurdle with him. I don’t think they’ll scupper those plans on the back of one run. Perhaps if he gets beaten in the Morgiana Hurdle they’ll change their minds.

Road To Respect
Woodland Opera ran a cracking race for me but Road To Respect was doing handstands and cantering all over me three out, so it was an impressive win. That’s his first run of the season.

I’d imagine he’ll go to the Lexus Chase but long term you’d have to think the Gold Cup is a target after he finished 4th in it last year.

He’s a genuine contender now.

Definitly Red
It was a nice performance at the weekend from Definitly Red in the Charlie Hall Chase. I don’t know how much of a Gold Cup trial it was, though. It was quick ground and a small field but he beat Black Corton. It was a good performance but, after the weekend, I feel Road to Respect was the one to take out of it with the Gold Cup in mind.

Cork National
Out Sam has been handicapped to win a race like that. The rain did get into the ground and it got a bit softer and it was a good performance by the winner. Rogue Angel, again, keeps hitting the crossbar in these big Handicaps, but he’ll have his day some day.

I’m sure Gordon will have an Irish Grand National in mind for Out Sam.

Madison To Monroe] Madison To Monroe was disappointing at Cork yesterday. He just didn’t face into it and didn’t travel like he did at Limerick or the day he won his maiden hurdle. It just wasn’t the same horse at all. Maybe it was just the tongue tie on him.

Sizing John
He’s coming along well but he’s more than likely not going to start until the John Durkan, which he started in last year. We were hoping he could maybe go in the Fortria Chase at Navan this Sunday but that’s going to come a bit too soon for him and it’s possible the ground won’t be safe enough for him anyway.