BATTERSTOWN, Co Meath trainer Eddie Cawley needs just one more winner to set his highest ever seasonal tally and he has two big chances at one of his local tracks, Navan, today.
Cawley has sent out eight winners so far this term - most notably Ataboycharlie, who scored at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day - for a healthy 11% strike rate and a level stakes profit of €41.
“A lot of those horses should have won last year,” he told The Irish Field when asked about his excellent form this season. “They got sick last year and we had to back off them. They were running okay but they weren’t just firing.
“A few of them came out in March and won but it was too late for them and I said there was no point in me doing away with their novice status at that stage. I thought we’d put them away and keep them for this year. I hope there are a few more to come through.”
Pending Navan passes it’s inspection, Cawley will send out Catch The Beast in the feature Listed Navan Novice Hurdle (1.55) and Chosen Diamond in a two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle (2.30).
“Catch The Beast got plenty of weight for his win at Punchestown so we have to see if he can live up to that,” the trainer said. “He fairly bolted up so we have to take the rise in the weights on the chin. He definitely prefers soft or heavy ground and I would imagine the ground would be at least soft.
“Chosen Diamond is 10lb higher over fences and I still think he is capable of winning over fences. The last day I ran him over three miles and we just felt he didn’t get the trip.
“We’re going back to two and a half over hurdles now and he should run very well. I’d be hopeful - I think the two of them are in very good form and have a fighting chance.”