RACING:TRANQUIL SEA is set to tackle three miles for the first time in his career in next month's Guinness Gold Cup at the Punchestown Festival (April 20th-24th). The Edward O'Grady-trained star proved a major disappointment in last week's Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham when struggling home ninth behind Albertas Run, but not for the first time will attempt to shrug off a festival disappointment at Punchestown.
“He got beaten at Cheltenham in his novice hurdle days and came back that season to win a Grade One at Punchestown. He was beaten in last year’s Jewson and was unlucky afterwards at Punchestown so hopefully he will be able to bounce back this time too,” said O’Grady.
The Co Tipperary trainer has said in the past he considers Tranquil Sea a potential Cheltenham Gold Cup type and the horse will get the chance to test his stamina credentials in Grade One company next month.
A massive gamble on the O’Grady-trained Shot From The Hip came unstuck at Cheltenham as the John Magnier-owned horse beat only four home in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper. However, he could yet bid for Grade One compensation at Punchestown. “He came home lame, in his shoulder, and it was a disappointing run,” O’Grady said. “If he comes right in time we will certainty consider Punchestown but he is still not one hundred per cent sound.”
The Triumph Hurdle third Alaivan will also go to Punchestown but Osana, who ran a fine race when third to Sizing Europe in the Arkle, will be out earlier and will line up for the two-mile Maghull Chase at Aintree on Grand National day. “He has run well there in the past over a longer distance so hopefully he can do the same again,” O’Grady added.
Tranquil Sea’s Guinness Gold Cup opposition could yet include the 2006 winner War Of Attrition who is set to have the last start of his career at Punchestown.
The 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero made much of the running in the early stages of last week’s World Hurdle only to fade behind Big Buck’s.
War Of Attrition has been taken out of the Grand National at Aintree but now has the choice of next month’s Guinness Gold Cup over fences or staying over hurdles for the Grade One Stayers.
“He has come out of Cheltenham in great form and seemed to enjoy himself on the day that’s the main thing,” Mouse Morris said yesterday. “He ran well for a long way and just got caught out on the fast ground. They were just too quick for him.”
He added: “I’ve left him in the Gold Cup at Punchestown and the three-mile hurdle. We’ll see how the ground is nearer the time before deciding. Whatever happens it will be his last race. It would be nice to go out in a chase but we’ll see. The main thing is he gets through it in one piece.”
