Neil Morrice takes a look at five UK dark horses who could impress in the coming weeks. Featured here are the likes of TREGATE, ZARGA and more!
TREGATE Worcester, May 8th
TREGATE was a big eye catcher in this maiden hurdle, looking to be travelling just as well as odds-on Idealdes Villerets when stumbling badly on landing at the first in the home straight, three out. To his credit he regathered himself and threatened to reassert until the effects of that misfortune took their toll on the run-in. Without saying he would have beaten the winner it was a very pleasing effort, and he can improve in bundles.
BUN DORAN Worcester, May 8th
While we know everything about veteran BUN DORAN he put in a good effort when seemingly unfancied for this two mile handicap chase. Kept wide and out of trouble, he moved up on the sweeping turn for home and was the last of the principals to come off the bridle. Though weakening into sixth, this suggests there’s still a tune to be played from his fiddle round the smaller tracks through the summer.
MISS MACH ONE Newmarket, May 5th
A first juvenile runner for her trainer Jack Channon, MISS MACH ONE proved to be competitive in this but was unable to sustain her challenge up the final climb to the finishing line. She probably needed to have done more work to win it, and will strip both fitter and more streetwise next time.
ZARGA Nottingham, May 2nd
ZARGA tucked in from a bad draw on the outer and was ridden for luck. She was intimidated when picking up in good style approaching the distance but still stayed on to claim third. She’s worked well with some good yardsticks in Newmarket, and should be cherry ripe to win next time.
PARC D’AMOUR Warwick, May 1st
Back from a protracted break, PARC D’AMOUR travelled with real purpose on handicap bow in which he displayed signs of greenness after the penultimate flight but only surrendered to Izayte in the last few strides. As long he he doesn’t fall to the bounce factor, this imposing individual should soon go one better.
