Emotional Moment remains on course for another crack at next month’s Coral Cup after pleasing connections with his effort at Gowran Park last weekend.
The Tom Taaffe-trained seven-year-old finished seventh in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle and will now bid to better last year’s fourth placing in the Cheltenham event.
“He came out of his race at Gowran last Saturday in fine form,” said Taaffe. “He stayed on very well from the fourth-last hurdle and is on course for the Coral Cup.”
Stablemate Kicking King, successful in the Baileys Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup last time out, is also doing well ahead of his tilt at the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy.
The six-year-old has been well supported in recent weeks for the two-mile contest and shares favouritism with certain bookmakers alongside Thisthatandtother.
“The horse is in super form. He is fit and well and hopefully we can keep him that way for the next three weeks,” said Taaffe.
“He is a very straightforward horse and I couldn’t be happier with him.”