Weld hoping to avoid 'bounce factor'
Dermot Weld is hoping Grey Swallow can avoid the “bounce factor” when he lines up in Saturday’s Manhattan Handicap at Belmont Park.
The five-year-old went nearly a year without a win before bouncing back to form with success on his first start in America last month.
Weld’s horse was an easy five-length winner of the Jim Murray Memorial Handicap at Hollywood Park but the Irish handler admits he has some concerns about the rigorous travelling schedule.
“All being well, he will run in the Manhattan. It’s a pretty tough Grade One,” said Weld.
“With it being a handicap, he’s got top weight and he will have to give weight to horses like Relaxed Gesture and others. He’s got a lot to do this time.
“The horse is very well. He was on the west coast a couple of weeks ago and now he’s on the east coast so he’s done a lot of travelling.
“I just hope the “bounce factor” doesn’t come into play. Provided that is not a factor, he would be very hard to beat.”
Although Grey Swallow will not form part of Weld’s team for Royal Ascot, the trainer has high hopes for the June highlight.
Stable stalwart Media Puzzle, winner of the 2002 Melbourne Cup before being plagued by injury, is pencilled for the Gold Cup after winning the Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown last week.
“As of now, we are all set,” Weld told At The Races. “He came back with a wonderful performance in the Saval Beg the other day.
“I was delighted with his performance. He loves fast ground and he will be back.”
Irish 1000 Guineas winner Nightime is also on course for the Coronation Stakes at the Royal meeting.
“The ground was soft as we know, can she handle firm ground at Royal Ascot only time will tell,” added Weld.
