| Teofilo a superstar in the making
The Wexford-born, Carlow-based flat trainer Jim Bolger is a patrician
man at the best of times.
A non-drinking, non-smoking, churchgoing, workaholic Jim is not a man
given to careless talk so when he says that his three-year-old colt
Teofilo is the best horse he has ever trained it pays to take notice.
Teofilo burst onto the classic scene at the Curragh last weekend when he
beat the Aidan O’Brien-trained Holy Roman Emperor in the Group One
National Stakes and is now among the favourites for next years Epsom
Derby and the English 2,000 Guinneas.
There appears to be a major lack of very decent two-year-old colts in
Britain this season so it’s quite possible that Holy Roman Emperor,
first and second at the Curragh recently, will be fighting over at least
one British Classic next season.
Given that Bolger trained the great St. Jovite, an excellent winner of
the Irish Derby and the King George, and that the trainer rates Teofilo
far superior to St. Jovite at this stage of their respective careers it
says a lot about the esteem in which Teofilo is held by his trainer.
Bolger also trains the excellent Mare Alexander Goldrun — a multiple
Group One winner — so he is well aware of what it takes for a horse to
perform at the top level.
On current form Teofilo is the best two-year-old Colt in Europe and if
he lives up to the expectations set for him by his trainer then we could
be watching the start of the career of a true racing legend.
Irish Derby winner Dylan Thomas is to by-pass the Prix the l’Arc De
Triomphe in France and instead race in America ahead of his bid to win
the Breeders Cup classic at the end of next month.
This week saw the announcement that top jumps jockey Mick Fitzgerald is
to retire at the end of the season.
One of the most successful riders of the current generation Fitz won the
Grand National and Gold Cup at the age of 37. He has enjoyed a
distinguished career and will retire at the end of this season.
Mick is man who looks almost as at home in a television studio as on a
horse, and you can expect to see a broadcasting career develop paraellel
to his new job as director of a high class racehorse ownership
syndicate.
Horses to follow in the coming weeks include Roadmaker, The Last Hurrah
and Sky To Sea.
Happy Punting!
This week’s horses to watch…
Thursday 2.45pm Hereford:
TIP: Moss Bawn
May have to carry top weight if he runs in this race but has the form.
Represents a very good yard and has an excellent chance of recording his
third win in four starts in this race.
Thursday 3.20pm Hereford:
TIP: Cathchit
Another horse who might not be favoured by the weights but has far and
away the best form in the race. Represents a top trainer and jockey and
could be one to follow in the coming weeks.
Thursday 3.55pm Hereford:
TIP: Il Penesoroso
This horse has been kind to Irish Post readers and despite being pulled
up in a quality race the last time out should resume his winning streak
here. Bet of the week.
Friday 2.10pm Hexham:
TIP: Waynesworld
Another horse on a long winning streak who is taken to defy top weight
and win what is a poor quality race. The opposition is very weak so he
shouldn’t have much trouble.
Friday 3.20pm Hexham:
TIP: Balito
Richard Johnson has a good strike rate for Irish trainer John Carr and
they could continue that success with Ballitoi who is due a win after
some excellent recent runs and has an outstanding chance in this race.
Friday 3.55pm Hexham:
TIP: Ar Nos Na Gaoithe
Could be a good day for Richard Johnson as he also has a winning chance
on
this horse who makes a long trip from South Wales. Is due a win and has
the right weight to achieve it in this race.
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