CRONIN TOWCESTER BOUND WITH HIS TWO STALWARTS

Ian Fortune

Few Irish trainers have a better record in the English Derby than Peter Cronin so it’s great to see him targeting this year’s renewal with his two wonderful servants Trinity Junior and 2022 runner-up Mr Chelm.

Of course, Mr Chelm was known as Kildare when he ran up the Derby to Romeo Magico at Towcester but he remains a top class performer and will be given another crack at the showpiece with Cronin confirming this morning that both would be given an entry.

Mr Chelm will run for a new owner after Kevin O’Brien of ‘Clona’ fame stepped into purchase the near-veteran son of Droopys Jet and Palermo. He posted a quick 28.37 in a trial around Shelbourne in March, highlighting his well-being and will no doubt appreciate a return to Towcester.

Trinity Junior has been amongst the best and most consistent dogs of the past two years. A finalist in the 2022 Juvenile Derby and Leger, he continued his superb form into 2023, finishing third in the Easter Cup, capturing the Champion Stakes and reaching the semis of the Boylesports Derby.

He ended the year reaching the semis of the Leger and finishing runner up in the Winter Racing Festival Open 550. Tim Slevin’s star has been lightly raced this term but was an eye-catching fourth in the Select Stakes only a fortnight ago.

Given his profile and ability to stand up to the rigors of a big competition, he could have a big say around Towcester if taking to the Northamptonshire venue.

Said Peter of the pair, “Kevin O’Brien has bought Mr Chelm and I’m going to bring him to the Derby again. We’ll bring Trinity Junior as well. Both are very experienced, and grey, and I won’t be trialing either. I think the long run up will suit both.”