Fastorslow predicted to enhance and optimize

Martin Brassil Anticipates Improvement from Fastorslow in Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup

In an exciting turn of events, Martin Brassil expresses confidence in the potential improvement of Fastorslow as he prepares to face Galopin Des Champs once again in the highly-anticipated Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival.

A Rivalry Rekindled

This clash between Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow marks their fourth encounter on the racecourse. In their previous meeting, Galopin Des Champs dominated during the 2022 John Durkan Chase while Fastorslow was making his debut over fences in Ireland. However, Brassil’s star performer managed to outshine his rival at both the Punchestown Festival and this season’s John Durkan Chase.

The Preferred Option: The Gold Cup

While there is an alternative engagement for Fastorslow in the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase, that option will only be pursued if ground conditions become very soft – similar to what prevented him from competing against Galopin Des Champs during Christmas. Explaining his decision, Brassil stated, “We entered him for the two-mile race just in case we encounter heavy ground conditions. But our first choice is definitely the Gold Cup.”

Promising Preparations

Following a successful gallop session at Curragh on Wednesday, Brassil expressed his satisfaction with Fastorslow’s current form. He remarked,”I’m delighted with him; he’s in excellent shape. He was ready to run during Christmas time.” With a horse who enjoys eating well and thrives on his training, Brassil is focused on maintaining this positive momentum.

Ground Versatility

Fastorslow’s previous performances have showcased his ability to handle various ground conditions. Brassil highlights, “He won the John Durkan on soft ground, and he’s versatile when it comes to different types of terrain.” Therefore, the decision not to run him during heavy ground at Christmas was a strategic move with the Irish Gold Cup as another compelling option.

A Formidable Foe

Gaining respect for Galopin Des Champs’ impressive record as a top-class horse and Gold Cup winner, Brassil acknowledges that defeating him will be no easy task. The upcoming race provides an exciting opportunity for Fastorslow to compete against Galopin Des Champs over three miles – a challenge they haven’t experienced before. While acknowledging their rival’s strength, Brassil believes Fastorslow could emerge as a significant contender in this rematch.

Potential for Future Success

Reflecting on past near-misses at Cheltenham Festivals, Brassil remains optimistic about Fastorslow’s performance in March. He states,”In recent years we’ve come so close but narrowly missed out; however, I’m confident that we’ll ultimately achieve victory at some point.” With his knowledge of how well Fastorslow performs at Cheltenham and considering the improvements made since last year’s Punchestown Festival success over fences,

The Story Behind the Name

The story behind Fastorslow’s name adds an amusing touch to its origins. As explained by Grand National-winning trainer Brassil: “While he was under Arnaud Chaille-Chaille’s training in France – who doesn’t speak English – Sean Mulryan (the owner) received a call one night. The person on the line inquired if the horse was fast or slow. Sean, in a rather direct manner, responded with just that question.”