'I might have got it completely wrong but I don't think I have' - Warren Greatrex preparing to enter DRF lion's den
The Lambourn trainer has been putting Grade 1 hope Good And Clever through some meticulous preparation

Warren Greatrex is doing everything in his power to ensure Good And Clever has a fighting chance of Grade 1 glory at the Dublin Racing Festival this weekend and called on the services of Jockey Club Estates in Lambourn to assist with preparations.
The six-year-old, a 14-1 shot for the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday, completed his final piece of schooling under James Bowen on Wednesday morning when jumping a number of hurdles.
There was one significant difference to the circuit, however, as one of the three hurdles was orange instead of white in order to match what Good And Clever will face in Ireland.
"It's all about the small things," said Greatrex. "When I was with Oliver [Sherwood] years ago we took a horse to Auteuil called Claymore, who was a brilliant jumper. The obstacles over there are slightly different and this particular race was over hurdles. There were flowers in front of them and he lost the race within the first two jumps.
"It sounds funny, but all the hurdles in Ireland are orange, so I asked [operations manager] Will Riggall and the Jockey Club if we could have one set of flights that were orange. I'm glad we did it because he had a look at them and I'm glad with the way he finished off.
"When the blood's up and he's among other horses he'll be fine, but I didn't want him to go to a Grade 1 without the experience. You count everything you can and we don't want him having a look and ballooning hurdles. He improved the more we did and we're happy."
'We're taking on the best of the best – but it's all about competition'
It will be the second time Good And Clever competes in Grade 1 company after finishing third in the Formby Novices' Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day.
This is another sizeable task with Willie Mullins responsible for seven of the 11 other entries – three of which, including Kopek Des Bordes, head the market – but Greatrex believes his stable representative has a big opportunity to provide the yard with its second Dublin Racing Festival Grade 1 after La Bague Au Roi's success in 2019.
He said: "We might be stepping up too much – we're taking on the best of the best – but it's all about competition. It gets you excited. I own half the horse and sometimes you've just got to give it a go. I might have got it completely wrong but I don't think I have. I'm not saying we're going to win, but I'd think if conditions suit – which they look like they will – he won't be far away.
"We haven't really dipped him in yet. He was a bit green and probably needed the run at Newbury, while my tactics the last day were a bit off as I didn't want him to get into a fight early. The way the race went we were out of our ground and he got outpaced down the back, but he flew home and finished very strong.
"He's a proper staying two-miler and he may hit a bit of a flat spot, but he'll finish strong and he's as hard as they come. If we're there turning in, there won't be anything running home better than him."
Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle (1.40 Leopardstown, Sunday)
Bet365: 13-8 Kopek Des Bordes, 7-4 Kaid D'Authie, 5 Redemption Day, 10 Bleu De Vassy, 14 Good And Clever, 20 bar.
Read these next:
Why this horse can win at the Dublin Racing Festival - including one who can upset Gaelic Warrior

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets
Published on inDublin Racing Festival
Last updated
- Go on, go and write off Gaelic Warrior - I dare you!
- Three beaten horses from the Dublin Racing Festival who it can pay to follow next time
- A masterclass from Solness or a shocker from beaten jockeys? Sectionals reveal the truth in an intriguing debate
- 'It's just a privilege to watch him' - Galopin Des Champs owners still on cloud nine after Irish Gold Cup exhibition
- Could Solness serve it up to Jonbon? Is Final Demand overpriced for the Turners? Talking points from the Dublin Racing Festival
- Go on, go and write off Gaelic Warrior - I dare you!
- Three beaten horses from the Dublin Racing Festival who it can pay to follow next time
- A masterclass from Solness or a shocker from beaten jockeys? Sectionals reveal the truth in an intriguing debate
- 'It's just a privilege to watch him' - Galopin Des Champs owners still on cloud nine after Irish Gold Cup exhibition
- Could Solness serve it up to Jonbon? Is Final Demand overpriced for the Turners? Talking points from the Dublin Racing Festival