Khuzaam and Varian can crack Listed Hyde Stakes feature
– Khuzaam is worth another crack at Listed level today in the feature British Stallion Studs EBF Hyde Stakes at Kempton.
Roger Varian's charge looked pretty smart at the back end of last year, winning one of his two starts on the all-weather - results which prompted his team to pitch him at the Fairway Stakes on his return in May.
However, the decision did not pay dividends because he could finish only fifth in that 2000m race - and he subsequently underwent wind surgery during a 123-day break.
Khuzaam was well-beaten in second by Scentasia on his return at Yarmouth in September - but that was a fine performance in hindsight, giving 1kg to a filly who has gone on to win two Listed races at Lingfield.
Khuzaam himself dotted up by seven lengths on his subsequent handicap outing, with a 7kg rise seeming quite reasonable - and
London
also forcing Varian to raise his sights.
He has a bit to find with a couple of today’s rivals on the ratings – most notably War Glory - but Khuzaam is only lightly raced and could have any amount of untapped potential.
Infrastructure can return from a break in the best possible fashion by landing the 32Red Handicap.
He has had just the one try over this 3200m trip, but certainly ran with distinction to claim a fast-finishing third in a very competitive event at York in August.
Infrastructure was held up towards the rear that day as he jumped up in trip from 2800m, but his flourish in the final 200m suggests 3200m was not a problem - and he is a thoroughly unexposed stayer for Martyn Meade.
Hurricane Alex has clearly learnt a bit on each of his two runs and can put the pieces together in the 100% Profit Boost At 32redsport.com Novice Median
Auction Stakes.
Last of 20 on his debut at Newbury, Hurricane Alex turned out just six days later at Kempton and was a 0.5-length second in what was only an ordinary event.
But he was putting in his best work at the end of 1400m, so switching up to 1600m looks a positive move.
Guroor impressed with a fivelength win in an apprentice event last time, and a 3kg rise may not be enough to anchor her in the 32Red On The App Store Handicap.
She appeared to have plenty more in reserve during the course of that triumph and a mark of 69 still looks quite generous.
Mister Fisher is an eye-catching runner in the Highflyer Bloodstock Novices' Chase at Warwick.
A Grade 2 winner over hurdles, he could not make his mark in the Supreme at the Festival, while he disappointed on his handicap debut in the Swinton in May.
Nicky Henderson has wasted little time in switching to fences and 3200m looks to be his trip.
Subway Surf proved very useful in bumper company and can kick on again on her first try over obstacles in the Use The racingtv. com Tracker mares' Novices' Hurdle.
Kim Bailey's runner raced prominently when winning at both Ludlow and Chepstow, by four lengths on the first occasion and five on the second.
Another who triumphed in the point-to-point field, hurdles and a step up in distance should suit.
De Forgotten One can make it two wins from three starts over fences in the Jankel Novices' Handicap Chase at Chepstow.
His jumping was not perfect when triumphing by a neck at Stratford last month, but he proved admirably game.
Supremely Lucky hit the bar on his first chase start but can improve on that at Hexham.
A bad blunder cost him valuable momentum that day and he did well to get back on terms before being beaten just 0.5 lengths.
He can right that wrong in the Hexham Racecourse Membership An Ideal Xmas Present Novices' Chase. –
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