Neil Morrice takes a look at a couple of UK dark horses who could impress in the coming weeks. Featured this week are the likes of LUMP SUM, VINCENZO and more!
INGRA TOR Kempton Park, April 10th
While it was no surprise to see INGRA TOR drift out to 16/1 granted his outer draw in this big field, that issue was eradicated by the quick reactions of his rider in the first 100 yards as he got the Churchill gelding out and then across and into the pack. The combination failed by just three-quarters of a length to peg back the winner Prop Forward, to give rookie trainer Jack Channon another second to add to his six winners and plethora of placed runners that give him some of the best stats over the opening weeks of the Flat season.
VINCENZO Chepstow, April 10th
VINCENZO compromised his chance in this bumper by hanging throughout the final quarter mile, but when the penny dropped ran on to such effect that he would have prevailed in a few more strides. It was his first run for four months and only second in all, and if learning from it he should soon go one better.
TEES DOUGE Southwell, April 9th
TEES DOUGE missed the break in the Brocklesby and then did too much too soon in getting to the front. Expected to be more streetwise on this second career start, he again shut his eyes when the gates opened. His pilot soon had him at the head of affairs but that momentary pause of concentration cost him in the final furlong when Yorkshire Terrier stormed past him. All the gelded Tees Douge needs to do is break on terms and he will open his account.
SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE Haydock Park, April 8th
From opening as a 16/1 roughie, SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE was supported into 6/1 and for much of the journey in this long-distance Chase it looked like being rewarded. Putting his training troubles behind him, he jumped like a cat and stayed on to gradually claw back the lead of the eventual winner, only for that one to hang on by a length and three-quarters. This was a big step up on his previous outings this season and should have made him cherry ripe to go one better.
LUMP SUM Hereford, April 6th
The losses sustained on LUMP SUM in this bumper are surely only lent, given that the Sam Thomas-trained gelding ran into something special in newcomer The Doyen Chief. Thomas is not short of good bumper prospects, most of them owned by Dai Walters, and Lump Sum should soon put the record straight as he’s very well regarded.
