Smooth Tom

“Smooth Tom is a grand horse. I had a mad idea, I am thinking of entering him in the Chester Cup and go 2m2f on the Flat. He's that type of horse. It's only an idea at the moment. Also, we were having a chat, we might supplement him for the Champion Hurdle at Punchestown. We'll see what happens. If there's only five runners in it why not have a go. We fancied him going to Down Royal and he unseated and he galloped for a mile and a half on the ambulance road. I don't know what happened in Punchestown. He was beaten after two hurdles. Obviously that had an effect that day so we left him off and we never looked back. Last year I was thinking of the Galway Hurdle but I might have his sister for that, Royal Hollow, that's her aim. We could run two of them, you never know. We have a couple of options, back here for the Cork Derby maybe as well. We won't make up our minds yet, there's plenty of options - Andrew Slattery, trainer.”

“Smooth Tom is a very versatile horse and I would say he'll stay further. I forgot to enter him in the Irish Cesarewitch and I think it would have suited him. We'll probably go for the Grade 3 hurdle at Down Royal a week on Friday. He likes small fields and he can pick up some more prize-money - Andy Slattery, trainer.”

“Smooth Tom's main aim is the Galway Hurdle and we might go to Punchestown before then, probably for one of the handicap hurdles - Andrew Slattery, trainer.”

“Smooth Tom is a nice horse. We were a bit worried about the ground. Andy was talking about giving him a rest, but we might take a look at Leopardstown over Christmas. He's going to have to step up now - Willie Slattery, assistant trainer.”