Stake acclaim for Southwell honours
PEARL Acclaim has the dash to defy a 6lb penalty and give sprint specialist David Griffiths another victory at Southwell.
The Bawtry trainer has enjoyed a successful season in that division with the evergreen duo of Take Cover and Duke Of Firenze flying the flag.
While Pearl Acclaim is not in the same class as his illustrious stablemates, he also is paying his way.
Griffiths is probably still learning about Pearl Acclaim as he only acquired him out of David O’Meara’s stable in the summer.
The seven-year-old’s triumph over the course and distance last week was his first for his new stable after he had knocked on the door several times.
He won decisively by two and a half lengths from Archie Stevens and on that evidence should back it up in the Betway Sprint Handicap.
Tricky Dicky can reverse recent form with Mujassam to land the Betway Handicap.
Olly Williams’ charge was collared 75 yards from the finish by that rival over this six furlongs earlier in the month after hitting the front just inside the final furlong.
Tricky Dicky has a 3lb pull for being beaten one length and it ought to be enough to see him turn the tables and see off the rest of the opposition.
Ladies First looks ready to open her account in the Betway Median Auction Maiden Stakes following placed efforts on her first two starts.
The three-year-old, trained by Mick Easterby, is a full sister to Group-race winner Ladies Are Forever and has already shown enough promise to suggest she can boost her value by becoming a winner.
Tomngerry can make a winning debut over fences in the Come Racing On New Year’s Day Beginners’ Chase at Catterick after making an encouraging return from a 19-month absence when runnerup over hurdles behind Desert Cry at Carlisle six weeks ago.
Brian Ellison’s seven-year-old had shown plenty of ability as a novice hurdler two seasons ago and was thought good enough to run in the Grade One Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.
Espoir De Teillee, trained by Neil Mulholland, made a flying start to his jumps career when scoring over this course and distance last month and can repeat the trick in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Winter Festival Novices’ Hurdle.
Mortens Leam shaped well on his fencing bow when narrowly held by Ami Desbois at Wetherby.
Trainer Pam Sly looks to have a suitable opportunity for him to go one better in the Fakenham 2018 Annual Membership Novices’ Handicap Chase at Fakenham.