UMBRIGADO NETS GREATWOOD GOLD
Umbrigado hosed up in the Grade 3 Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury.
David Pipe’s 13/2 shot always travelled well and his chances were boosted when leader The Big Bite hung left close home.
However, the gelding would probably have won anyway, showing a potent turn of foot to beat Killer Clown (4/1) by a length in the hands of David Noonan.
The Big Bite quickly recovered and stayed on gamely for third.
Pipe said: “I wasn’t too certain about the ground but David gave him a great ride. He’s
a strong traveller, but doesn’t always find as much as you think.
“We had a bit of luck with the leader hanging and we were in the right place to cash in.”
Umbrigado is now a general 10/1 chance for the Paddy Power Plate at Cheltenham.
A Covid outbreak in the Benetton squad has scuppered Edinburgh centre George Taylor’s plans to get his season back on track.
The 24-year-old was to wear the No.12 jersey at Murrayfield today, only for the clash to be called off yesterday following a positive test result before the Italians flew out.
That means Taylor will have to wait at least one more week for his first start after four months out due to injury and suspension. He suffered facial injuries – breaking his jaw, cheekbone and nose – in November when f lattened by Scarlets’ Josh Helps’ high tackle.
Then, just a few minutes into his comeback against Zebre at the end of January, he saw red for a dangerous tackle on Antonio Rizzi.
After coming off the bench last week, Taylor is desperate to get more minutes and said: “It was one of the worst injuries I’ve had and the red card wasn’t great either.
“But now I’m not going to worry about the past. It’s great to be back. I’ve recovered fully from the injury and I can’t wait to get the chance to put a run of games together.
“There are still a few games left and qualifying for next year’s Champions Cup is mathematically possible, so we’re targeting that.
Dates from next month on will be looked at for the cancelled clash.