Hoping for local consolation

DISAPPOINTED he had to abandon his original plans, astute horseman Alan Cronin is hoping for a form of consolation tonight.

Set to head across the border to contest the Vicbred Super Series with classy youngster Hez So Royal, Cronin was forced to miss the futurity after the three-year-old developed a hoof abscess.

“It is disappointing, but that’s horses,” Cronin said. “I was looking forward to testing him over there, but we’ll have to do that another time.”

Having recovered from the setback, Hez So Royal will compete in the opening event at Globe Derby.

To be driven by Ryan Hryhorec, Hez So Royal has drawn to go forward from barrier four, with betting markets responding by listing the son of Soho Tribeca as a $1.70 favourite.

“He has missed a little bit of work, and although I am happy with him, I think he is a bit short at that price,” Cronin said. “He is forward enough to win, but whatever he does tonight, he will improve on.

“The Club’s Derby is on next week, so this run will top him up for that.”