Davy Russell retired not too long ago but he was only out of the saddle for a matter of days before he got the bug and decided to come back to ride for Gordon Elliott due to Jack Kennedy’s absence through injury. It was a great decision as he rode a Grade 1 winner at the Dublin Racing Festival aboard Mighty Potter.
Russell travels to Navan for just one ride on Sunday and this horse could be a potential monster. Jamie Codd said this horse was probably the best he has ever sat on in his bumper days last year and although things haven’t gone smoothly for him since, it would be silly to write him off just yet. Check out our free horse racing tips.
The horse in question is of course American Mike who had to suffer in defeat when staring at Facile Vega’s backside twice last year in Grade 1 company in bumpers. He looked a monster in Irish bumpers prior to that but things went against him when it mattered.
American Mike got off to the perfect start over hurdles and although he was turned over at long odds on at Navan when last seen in November, there is no doubt that he is a much better horse than what we have seen. Gordon Elliott has kept him fresh since then which is a sign of intent that he wants to get him ready for Cheltenham in a few week’s time.
This lad will probably go for the Ballymore if things work out and you can be sure Russell wouldn’t be travelling to Navan to ride a sure loser. He is very choosy with his rides now so he must feel he has a right good chance on this lad. If the real American Mike turns up, everything else will be playing for second place.
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