Philip Rothwell © Photo Healy Racing
Philip Rothwell had just three horses for point-to-points this campaign and the fact all three won last weekend augurs well for the trainer's five runners at Wexford on Friday.
Reflecting on the Toomebridge and Templemore wins, Rothwell said: "All those point-to-pointers will be going to the racecourse now and it was great as we were quiet on the track at the weekend which wouldn't be normal.
"It's great to see them staying in good form, but there's still a huge jump from point-to-points up to racing under Rules. It's bigger than people give it credit for I think still."
On his Wexford hopefuls, the Fairwood Stables operator reasoned: "Whilst Beneficial Spirit (who runs in the Welcome To Chef Phelim Byrne Seasuir To The Ivy Room Handicap Hurdle) has a good old record around there, he always seems to find one too good for him. That looks like a very, very strong handicap hurdle for the venue.
"I think the other handicaps maybe aren't as strong. I thought Get In Pat (Oysters Point Handicap Hurdle) would run a nice race and I'd be hopeful of similar from Cross To Boston (Taghmon Athletics Club Raceday Handicap Chase) and Bottle Rattler (Black Point Beginners Chase). We've basically got each-way chances across the board."
In general, the south-eastern track has been a happy hunting ground for Rothwell and he added: "Wexford has been lucky for us so hopefully it stays that way. I think I was even in front of Willie Mullins as leading trainer down there over the last number of years.
"I think I'm second or third to him now - I'm not quite sure. I'd be well up there anyway in the sense that we've had a lot of winners around Wexford so it's been very lucky."
It's something of a mixed-bag as to the going that would suit the Rothwell runners best. He said: "Beneficial Spirit would like it reasonably good but Cross To Boston would like it heavy, so something in between would do us. I think it'll be soft there anyway. Get In Pat will go on it no matter what it is."
The other Rothwell runner on the day is Luddsdenene in the opening Cahore Point Handicap Hurdle, in which local contender Snowell is aiming for a fourth win on the bounce.
The closing Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Mares Flat Race looks an excellent heat. Molly Connors second to Briar Hill on her sole outing to date at this track back in November, would seem to be a huge player.
However, Autumn Shades has been very well-touted from the point-to-point field and could be the one after missing an engagement at Clonmel last week owing to a passport irregularity.
