Firebird Could Flourish Upped In Trip At Warwick

Withernsea was bitterly disappointing for us in the Lincoln at Doncaster on Saturday and I am at a loss as to why he ran so poorly. Ground conditions looked ideal, he had a decent record when fresh and the right jockey was on board. Perhaps it was just a stepping stone towards another target later in the season, and he certainly isn’t one to write off just yet.

Georgian Firebird en route to victory at Towcester.

On Wednesday I like the look of one at a big price in the lucky last at Warwick (4.55) and I think Georgian Firebird could go well over the furthest distance she has tackled yet for Barry Leavy and Alain ‘Squeaky’ Cawley. This 8yo daughter of Firebreak is lightly raced for her age, but she has managed to win a bumper and a maiden hurdle.

Both those wins came on soft or heavy ground so she should have no issues on the forecast underfoot conditions at Warwick tomorrow. She was off the track for almost two years after her impressive maiden hurdle win at Towcester, and a fall on her belated return was never going to do much for her confidence. A quiet effort predictably followed after that mishap at Wetherby, but last time out at Huntingdon she showed that she still retains ability.

She was sent off in front by Alain Cawley and half a mile from home she seemed to blow up completely, drifting back through the field. However, she found her second wind approaching the 2nd last and she stayed on eye catchingly up the home straight to finish 3rd, closing on the runner up all the way to the line. It showed she still has enthusiasm for the game, and she shaped as if an extra furlong might be ideal.

At first glance you wouldn’t give anything by Firebreak a chance of staying any further than 2 miles. However, Georgian Firebird’s dam is a half sister to a 2m 6f winner so there is every chance she will stay the trip on pedigree. Alain Cawley keeps the ride and Georgian Firebird races off the same mark as last time (97). This looks a competitive race for the grade so keeps stakes small, but at 25/1 I think Georgian Firebird could give each way backers a good run for their money.

STEVOS’ SELECTION: 4.55 WARWICK: GEORGIAN FIREBIRD E/W @ 25/1