Meade star Scalzo can sprint home
MARTYN MEADE is swiftly gaining a reputation as a trainer to follow and the Ne w mar ke t handler can secure another prestigious success courtesy of SCALZO (York, 3.45) in the 888Sport Charity Sprint.
A recent seven- length romp at Haydock was enough to ensure the son of Paco Boy alerted the attentions of some wealthy suitors and his new connections have probably got one eye on Royal Ascot should their new acquisition prevail today.
On the evidence of his previous win, a trip to the Berkshire venue looks well within the compass of Scalzo, but first he must overcome a competitive field of three-year- old sprinters and an awkward draw in stall 18.
If his berth towards the stands’ side isn’t too much of an inconvenience, I am confident Meade’s charge has the quality to leave an imprint on a race like this and he won’t mind if the rain arrives either as there was plenty of cut in the ground at Haydock when he slammed 12 foes in style.
The progressive Twilight Son looks one of the chief dangers as he appears a typical Henry Candy improver with a similar profile to the selection. There was plenty to admire regarding his Newmarket comeback as he moved with ease before quickening clear and he represents a formidable adversary for Scalzo.
Of those at double figure prices Mukhmal appeals, especially as Mark Johnston has begun to send out winners on the Knavesmire again, but Meade’s base is in excellent form at present and Scalzo looks the real deal.
David O’Meara again proved yesterday he loves nothing more than a York winner and the Irishman could hold the key to a couple of the handicaps with SO BELOVED (York, nap, 2 . 3 5 ) and FIRST SITTING (York, nb, 4.20). The former is a little quirky but undeniably talented, as he displayed when winning a similar race here last time.
Trapped in traffic with a furlong to run, the five-year- old displayed a sharp turn of foot to leave solid yardsticks Alfred Hutchinson and Dusky Queen in his wake and, if in the same mood and form, he must go close. Formerly trained by Dermot Weld, First Sitting took just two starts to get off the mark for O’Meara but he was well on top at the line at Hamilton on his l atest start and a 4lb rise in the handicap doesn’t appear
too punitive.