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Cotter hopeful speedy Sturlasson can progress this season

Sturlasson and Declan McDonogh winning at NavanSturlasson and Declan McDonogh winning at Navan
© Photo Healy Racing

Kieran Cotter is looking forward to the upcoming Flat season and hopeful that Sturlasson can develop into a Stakes class sprinter.

The Navan maiden winner was an unlucky second to Blue Storm in the Betfred 3YO ‘Dash’ Handicap on Derby Day at Epsom last year and Cotter blames himself that the grey gelding didn’t add to his tally.

“We made a big mistake running him on quick ground (in Goodwood) and I think he paid the price for it the rest of the season. He was a bit jarred,” said the Portarlington trainer.

"Hopefully we will have a very good season with him, and he has done super over the winter.

“We will be very careful this year, and he will only run if there is cut in the ground.

"We think a lot of him and we think he could be Stakes material. We are looking forward to the year with him."

Cotter, who opened his account for the year when successful with Koniag at Dundalk on Monday, added: “We have eight or nine juveniles - there wouldn't be any blue bloods, but a couple of nice horses in there.

“We have a very nice horse to come out, Ballintogher, he was placed in a Curragh maiden and we think a good bit of him.

“He probably should have won the maiden in the Curragh, but he was drawn the wrong side on his own. The plan would be to get him out early.”

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.

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