Neil Morrice has a look at a few UK horses who could impress in the coming weeks including GRAND ALBERT, TRELAWNE and more.
TRELAWNE Wetherby, January 13th
TRELAWNE ran an extraordinary race in this Grade 2 novices’ chase, hanging badly right after passing the stands and then continuing to give his pilot problems lugging right and losing ground at several of the fences. It’s to his credit that the gelding rallied to such effect that he only surrendered to market rival Colonel Harry on the run-in. He gave away far more ground than he was beaten by, and can make amends switched to a right-handed track.
CRIXUS’S ESCAPE Catterick Bridge, January 11th
In finishing second in this North Yorkshire Grand National CRIXUS’S ESCAPE showed his previous success at the same track to be no fluke. Although easy to back, the gelding travelled well throughout and on reflection the eventual winner Track And Trace was probably given too much rope. The way he stayed on in the home straight proves he possesses limitless stamina, and now has new options in front on him.
GRAND ALBERT Market Rasen, January 9th
Very easy to back on this debut under Rules, GRAND ALBERT travelled enthusiastically in the race itself and held every chance turning into the short home straight. Although weakening for minor honours he will have learned plenty from the experience and will benefit from racing over a longer trip.
SELKIRK GRACE Taunton, January 8th
For much of the two-mile trip SELKIRK GRACE appeared to be going nowhere, but turning into the straight she started to pick off her opponents one by one, and had she not fluffed her lines at the final flight, might have prevailed. Hughie Morrison can place her to open her account in a similar contest at one of the minor tracks.
