Speaking to Paddy, Tom and Ruby, the classic-winning trainer opened up about his trio’s chances at the Curragh on Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday has he two of his stars in action. Romanised is going at 17:45 in the Paddy Power Minstrel Stakes while Laws Of Indices features in the GAIN Railway Stakes at 18:45. On Sunday Inner Beauty gets a run in the Airlie Stud Stakes at 15:10.
You can listen to the full interview, as well as Paddy Power, Ruby Walsh and Frank Hickey’s tips for the weekend, below. The lads were also joined by the legend Barry Geraghty who spilled the beans about big nights out at Cheltenham and how he announced his recent retirement to friends and family.
But how does Ken rate his chances, his horses progression and the going at his hometown track?
17:45 Saturday – Romanised
The original plan was to start him in the Gladness and follow a similar route to last year – Lockinge, Queen Anne. We noticed last year, and I think everybody will probably be in agreement, as you went from race to race, he certainly got better and he ran at a very good level last year.
Obviously winning the Minstrel in a very quick time – I think it was 1.22 and change, it was a very smart time. He then went on to Deauville and he was very impressive and obviously finished his season off with a very, very tight loss in the Moulin at Longchamp.
But a feature of his last couple of seasons, it seemed to me, was the first run. He’d take the first run and I don’t think this year will be any different. We’re very pleased at his condition – he looks a picture. He’s a few kilos heavier than possibly his optimum but he is a year older, but Romanised looks a picture, he’s been training nicely and we’re looking forward to the start.
18:45 Saturday – Laws Of Indices
He took a big step forward from his first to second run – he’d strike you at home as a horse that is learning on the job. He’s a very relaxed horse – you get the feel from him that he could be third, fourth start just with racing that he’ll just get mentally sharper.
He’ll need to step forward very significantly again to be competitive. It’s a big step up from an auction maiden to a Group 2 but he’s a good-looking horse and he was well bought by connections and we’re looking forward to running him.
He ran on soft ground at Navan and it’ll be different ground on Saturday but Law Of Indices seems to be pretty versatile as well and hopefully he’ll run well – he needs to find significant improvement.
15:10 The Curragh – Inner Beauty
Inner Beauty has accumulated quite a bit of experience – even since the resumption she’s had four runs. Ran a lovely race there to win her maiden on her third start at Limerick and just the last day, to be fair to her, she got a bump shortly after jumping out of the stalls and seemed to set her off and she did run too freely.
So, she actually, all things considered, acquitted herself well, she was beaten a nose for third. Maybe the race lacked a bit of zip but you have to turn up and she will be declared for Sunday.
Inner Beauty’s going to be a big price, but she’s a very straightforward filly by a good sire and she doesn’t seem to be in any way ground dependent and she’ll take her chance.
Essential reading for this weekend’s racing:
- Paddy Power’s Quality Quartet Of Best Bets At The Curragh On Saturday
- Ruby Walsh’s 4 To Score At The Curragh On Saturday
- Brendan Duke’s Awesome Foursome At The Curragh On Saturday