Neil Morrice takes a look at four UK horses to keep an eye on in the coming weeks. In the spotlight this week: Chris Gordon’s talented gelding DIAMOND EGG, JIMMY THE DIGGER from the Henry Daly yard and more!
DIAMOND EGG Plumpton, February 13th
DIAMOND EGG looked superb before this maiden hurdle for which he started second favourite behind the odds-on Klitschko. The Huntingdon bumper scorer took a keen grip, and after an awkward landing at the second flight unseated his pilot. It was a soft exit that frustrated his jockey and connections, as Klitscko’s hard battle to win the race suggests Diamond Egg might well have prevailed. His trainer Chris Gordon will now re-route him to Newbury on Sunday.
JIMMY THE DIGGER Uttoxeter, February 11th
Even though he’s experienced over fences there’s still a rawness to JIMMY THE DIGGER, who looked the most likely winner of this well-contested handicap chase at the first in the home straight, four out. The gelding spent too much time in the air at each of the next two fences and would have been placed but for a minor mistake at the last from which his jockey almost came off. It’s odd that this good stayer went from fighting out second to finishing seventh because he’s got bundles of ability, and trainer Henry Daly will surely consider running him at the Cheltenham Festival, where he would not look out of place.
JAUNTY VIKING Ffos Las, February 9th
The easy-to-back JAUNTY VIKING travelled into the long home straight going as well as anything in this handicap hurdle, only to hit a brick wall three out when lack of condition told on a first run after a long absence. The gelding had a good blow afterwards and can be made a lot fitter for his next outing, hopefully back at Ffos Las where he has a good record.
TIGHTENOURBELTS Market Rasen, February 7th
There was a big plunge on TIGHTENOURBELTS that forced him into 6-5 favourite for this novices’ hurdle. So well was he travelling early in the straight that the fact he was ultimately caught by Hugo’s New Horse almost beggars belief. But on reflection this fine chasing prospect spent a long time out on his own, and were the race run again I am confident the result would be different. He’s one to follow.
