TONY BULLEN: Challenge Cup antepost preview

Cooladerry Dust has always been a dog blessed with a serious engine and has been threatening to capture a big prize having finished second in the Coronation Cup Final at Romford, contesting the Regency Final at Hove and Stayers Classic Final at Monmore.

He suffered a setback after having a sprint trial at Monmore in September, but his recent exploits over the 575m trip at Romford should put him spot on for a tilt at the Challenge Cup at Oxford on Saturday.

Cooladerry Dust’s solo trial over the 650m trip at Oxford was sensational and simply underlines how much he covers the ground in full flight. Being a wide seed isn’t necessarily ideal because of the short run to the turn, but that didn’t hinder him in those previous events he competed in.

If he did steer clear of hassle out wide and enjoy an uninterrupted passage to halfway, the nice straights at Oxford suggest he will be a match for any from the third bend onwards. There is also the possibility of things falling his way with some smart early paced railers in the event, so Cooladerry Dust might just be ready to be rewarded for his persistency in these staying events.

It’s highly likely a bitch will steal the show in this year’s event and there are three candidates that immediately leap off the page who are surely going to attract a fair degree of support given their proven pedigree in major competitions.

New Destiny reached the semi-final stages of this event last year, but has enjoyed her moment in the spotlight this term with sensational performances in capturing the Coronation Cup and Essex Vase over 575m at Romford, while 3 Steps To Victory star Queen Georgia is back in the groove and will be looking to follow in the footsteps of kennelmate and 2023 victor Havana Top Note. Lively Lauren finished fourth in this event last year and heads into the event fresh after suffering a setback in the St Leger at Perry Barr. Her recent trials over the standard 450m trip suggests all is well and whatever happens in the first round is sure to come on a bundle.

Challenge Cup