KATHLEEN NOW EASTER CUP BOUND

Ian Fortune

After missing her prep run at Shelbourne on Saturday night, Droopys Kathleen is set to bypass the Tote Gold Cup with a view to contesting the Easter Cup.

Speaking with the Racing Post, Robert Gleeson explained the situation. “She didn’t finish her grub on Friday night and then wouldn’t look at her breakfast on Saturday morning, so we knew she wasn’t feeling right,” he said. “We’ve had sickness in the kennel and she caught a bit of that so we pulled her out.

“We’ve no plans to rush her, but I’m as confident as I can be that she’s as good as she ever was,” he said. “Her sprint trial at Shelbourne last month was good and her clock coming home was exceptional.

“Several in the litter have turned out to stay well, so I’ve no doubt the 550 yards at Shelbourne won’t be a problem. In fact, the longer run to the bend will suit her in getting loose.

“I’ll look for a trial in the next two weeks, but the Easter Cup is what we’re looking towards now.”