Neil Morrice takes a look a few UK dark horses to keep an eye on in coming weeks. Featured this week are SONNY LISTON, SERA DAWN, PIED PIPER and GIVE IT SOME TEDDY.
SONNY LISTON Ascot October 21st
Unlucky when leading home his group on the wrong side of the course in the Hunt Cup, SONNY LISTON again had Ryan Moore on his back in the valuable Balmoral Handicap. Content to sit off the pace on the far side, he ran on through beaten horses to make it another frustrating visit to Ascot. He came back with a genuine excuse when pipped on his previous start at Doncaster and will surely pick up a race before the end of the season. His connections may look at the option of a Listed or Group 3 race overseas.
SERA DAWN Windsor October 16th
SERA DAWN loves the get her toe into the ground and to have a strong pace to help carry her into the race. She travelled best in this sprint but might have been given a tad too much to do, as those in front led by Antithon didn’t come back. She’s been in good form subsequently and can win before the end of the turf season.
PIED PIPER Newmarket October
PIED PIPER passed the majority of the Cesarewitch field in the final quarter mile and can be considered unlucky not to have prevailed. It sparked memories of his similarly excuse-laden defeat in the 2022 Ascot Stakes in which he found plenty of trouble. The very smart dual-purpose horse will now have his attention turned to jumping, and granted how effective he is at this time of year can be supported to win wherever he goes.
GIVE IT SOME TEDDY Redcar October 7th
Course specialist GIVE IT SOME TEDDY was beaten only just over four lengths in this competitive Class 2 to show that he still has a tune in him. If returning to the track in calmer waters he can Nick another race in the closing weeks of the season.
