Irish hopes high for another winning raid in UK
Fracas and Merger will bid to add to Ireland’s impressive haul of recent British races when the pair line up for the Betfred Classic Trial at Sandown.
Both the Greenham and Craven Stakes last week went back to the Emerald Isle and tomorrow’s challengers, trained respectively by David Wachman and Dermot Weld, are likely to be popular in the Group Three event at the Esher venue.
Wachman, who was responsible for Greenham winner Indesatchel, wants to take his time with Fracas, who outpointed Aidan O’Brien’s Down Mexico Way on his debut at Leopardstown earlier this month.
“He’s travelled there now and he’s grand,” said Cashel-based Wachman. “He has not done much at home since his run, as it was not long ago but I think he’s improved. I hope so.
“I decided to go to Sandown with him as otherwise we’d have to wait for the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial (at Leopardstown on May 8).
“We’re just taking it one step at a time with him, see how he gets on and take it from there.”
Fracas is entered in the Vodafone Derby and is a 40-1 shot at this stage.
Merger is not entered in the Epsom Classic but Weld will know what is required of his son of Mr Greeley as he was comfortably beaten on his seasonal bow by Indesatchel.
However, his trainer believes the colt, who won the Beresford Stakes as a juvenile, will be suited by the step up to 10 furlongs at Sandown.
“He’s a nice colt and was beaten by a good horse (Indesatchel) on his reappearance over seven furlongs at the Curragh,” said Weld. “He gives me the impression that he wants to go further.”
Six others line up for the race which produced 1997 Derby winner Benny The Dip, with four other Epsom entries headed by Mark Johnson’s Hearthstead Wings, last seen when a close third in the Italian Gran Criterium.
Others engaged in the Derby are Feilden runner-up Kings Quay, plus Hattan and recent Lingfield scorer Tragedian.
The remaining two are Glen Ida and Bridge Loan, both of whom have won their last two starts.
