Scarpeta Excites On Return

Ballymore Hurdle fourth Scarpeta (5g Soldier Of Fortune - Sanada, by Priolo) made a winning seasonal return at Clonmel on Thursday.

Sent off favourite under Paul Townend, Willie Mullins’ charge was stepping up to three miles for the first time and looked to relish the trip, catching the eye with his impressive cruising speed in the straight. He stayed on well to score by eight lengths, unchallenged.

Confirming the promise Scarpeta showed was Paul Townend, who later commented, “Scarpeta has a big engine and the sign of that was that he was still on the bridle turning in, despite some of his jumping. He'll come on for the run and he's versatile.”

A three-time winner on the flat for Mark Johnston, Scarpeta won his maiden hurdle by all of 17 lengths in January for Thurloe Thoroughbreds. He was bred in France by Michele Bliard.