Frankel jumps to it
IT has been no surprise over the summer to report that another Frankel offspring had been successful on the Flat.
Yesterday was another first for Frankel when the Dan Skelton-trained Solo Saxophone scored over hurdles on his debut at Catterick.
Cunco, Frankel’s first representative on the Flat, scored at Newbury in May of last year.
Solo Saxophone was a bit careful over the first few obstacles but seemed to warm to the task as they turned for home.
He put in a fine leap at the second last and that momentum and another clean jump at the last took him clear on the run-in.
“He got a bit of a scare at the first down the back, one jumped across him and I tucked in behind,” said jockey Harry Skelton. “I thought the game was over on a tight track like this but to his credit he winged the second-last and I always thought he was going to win.
“It is always a stiff ask to win first time over hurdles so I’m pleased with that.
“Today’s race was not the strongest but he had a chance on the best of his Flat form.
“He certainly has an engine and he could be all right.
“He had fair form on the Flat although he had blinkers or a visor on for most of his runs.
“He seemed fine and if he takes to hurdling he could progress and I think he could be better in a bigger field.”
There was another first at Fakenham when French jockey Maxime Tissier recorded his first winner in England on Banjo Girl.
He made all on the Lucy Wadham-trained mare to score by five lengths.
“She jumped really well,” said the winning jockey.
“They didn’t put the hood on and I was a bit scared but she was very relaxed.
“I’ve been here about 16 months in England.
“It is very good and it is very different.
“They go fast in England and go steady in France and finish quick.”
The winning trainer added: “He rides with a good head on his shoulders.
“He is very good and does all the schooling with Leighton Aspell. His 7lb claim could be useful.”
William Hill have trimmed Unowhatimeanharry to 6-4 for Saturday’s Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.