Willie McCreery backs Abamanova to shine at Fairyhouse
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Willie McCreery is keeping his fingers crossed Abamanova can continue her progression in the Ballyhane Blenheim Stakes at Fairyhouse on Wednesday.
The daughter of Camacho was third on her racecourse debut at the Curragh in the middle of last month and showed the benefit of that experience when bolting up at Bellewstown a few weeks later.
She tests the water at Listed level in County Meath, but McCreery is expecting a bold show if she can overcome her wide draw.
"I hope the ground doesn't get much softer and we don't have a great draw," said the trainer.
"Other than that, though, we're happy. The filly is in good form, we're looking forward to running her and we're hoping for a big run.
"The step up to six furlongs should suit. She's a pretty relaxed filly and from where she's drawn we'll probably have to settle her in behind. There's no point having to race four wide."
Abamanova features in a nine-strong field, with Aidan O'Brien's dual Curragh scorer Fleet Review clear of his rivals on official ratings.
Other contenders include Jessica Harrington's experienced gelding Brick By Brick and the Ger Lyons-trained Gobi Desert, who won on his introduction at the Curragh a month ago.
Harrington said of the former: "I'm hoping for a big run with him. He's got a nice draw.
"He's getting stronger as the year goes on, so I hope he runs a nice race."
Related posts
Matt Tombs: ten vital trends not to ignore at Cheltenham
JJ Slevin: the inside track on my Cheltenham Festival rides
Ross Millar: three to avoid at the Cheltenham Festival
Watch: Paddy Power's Ultimate Cheltenham Festival preview!
Timeform: the best-handicapped horses at the Cheltenham Festival
Todays top offer
Get £30 in free bets when you bet £5 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Featured offers
Bet £10 get £50 in free bets with Paddy Power
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets with Betano
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with BetVictor
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with Virgin Bet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved