Blazing Tempo was an impressive winner of the Galway Plate last week when collaring likely winner Wise Old Owl in the closing stages of the 2m6f contest. Trainer Willie Mullins has nominated future targets such as next month’s Kerry National and a tilt at the English Hennessy in November. It is likely that should all go well in these assignments a trip to Cheltenham in March will appear on her agenda.
After two mares races last season in which she finished first and second respectively, Blazing Tempo ran in the Jewson Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival running a not disgraced 5th behind Noble Prince. Although not really ever on the same terms as the leaders that day she gained useful experience of the Prestbury undulations and more importantly jumped with accuracy.
After Cheltenham; Blazing Tempo caught the eye when finishing second to the tough as teak Wishfull Thinking at the Punchestown Festival. Granted she was carrying 10-3 to his 11-10. However that race like the Jewson was over 2m5f which appears to be her absolute minimum on ground that has good in the description.
Over the extra furlong of the Galway Plate we saw her keep on to pass Wise Old Owl with ease and she had plenty more in reserve. The fact that connections are earmarking graded races at 3m+, says they feel they have a classy staying mare on their hands.
Come March it will be 26 years since Dawn Run won the Gold Cup for Willie’s Father; the late great Paddy Mullins. It would be no surprise to see Blazing Tempo at the tapes for the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Cathryn Fry – 3 August 2011
Twitter: @cathrynfry
