O'Dwyer predicting bold Attrition show
Conor O’Dwyer is confident War Of Attrition can show even more improvement at Clonmel tomorrow following his defeat of Kicking King last month.
Mouse Morris’ six-year-old lowered the colours of the Cheltenham Gold Cup hero at Punchestown and is set to take his chance in the two-mile-four-furlong Clonmel Oil Chase.
O’Dwyer has ridden the Presenting gelding on eight of his 12 outings, including his gutsy win in the Swordlestown Cup at the Punchestown Festival and his three-length victory over Kicking King in the Daily Star Chase.
The Irish rider was happy with the way in which his partner stepped up to two miles, six furlongs last time and expects another bold bid in the Grade Two event at Clonmel.
“We were always confident that when he went further we’d see the best of him so hopefully we can step up again tomorrow,” he said.
“I think he jumped better and travelled very well at Punchestown and was not short of a bit of pace either.
“He would have come on for the run – he’s done nothing wrong and another race should improve my fellow.”
Standing in War Of Attrition’s way is last year’s winner Rathgar Beau, who is one of five runners.
Eamonn Sheehy’s nine-year-old won four Grade Two races last season before signing off with a memorable win over Moscow Flyer in the Grade One Kerrygold Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival.
Sheehy reports his gelding to be in tip-top condition and believes Rathgar Beau can make a winning return in his first race since April.
“He’s good and I don’t believe he’ll need a run either – he’s a very easy horse to get fit,” explained Sheehy.
“It was great to see him get at least one Grade One and hopefully he’ll get another by the end of the year.
“Sometimes when he gets to the front he takes his mind off jumping and is inclined to miss one.
“It won’t be easy because War Of Attrition has a run under his belt.
“But Rathgar Beau is a seasoned campaigner and has plenty of experience – I wouldn’t swap him for anything,” the Kilkenny trainer told At The Races.
Morris will be double-handed as he also runs Alcapone while Well Presented represents Jessica Harrington.
The Charlie Swan-trained Strong Project completes the line up for the 60,000 contest.
