The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Sam has what it takes to leave rivals in a spin
Last two runs of O’keeffe’s five-year-old have been huge career-bests
SAM SPINNER has what it takes to produce a showstopping performance in the JLT Reve De Sivola Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.
Jedd O’keeffe’s five-year-old has never been out of the first two in his life, and his last two runs have been huge career-bests.
Whether he can improve, which he will need to do to beat some solid, if not spectacular, performers is the big question, but he is priced accordingly.
This time last year he failed to concede a penalty in a Kelso novice hurdle, but the winner was Mount Mews, subsequently second in a Grade One to Pingshou at the Grand National meeting, giving the form some gravitas.
His most recent performance at Haydock marked him out as potentially top class. Although he was only racing off a mark of 139, he was trying the best part of three miles for the first time and was strongest at the finish.
His improvement cannot be put down to the heavy ground, as pre-race O’keeffe felt that would be against him, so it was the step up in trip which allowed him to get into a rhythm.
Nicky Henderson’s VERDANA BLUE can defy an 8lb rise in the Racing Welfare Handicap Hurdle. Henderson has a fine record in the race, and his Brain Power put up a fine weightcarrying performance 12 months ago.
Verdana Blue might not be in his class but has improved markedly this season in two runs over this course and distance.
First time out she travelled smoothly before being squeezed at the last and allowed to come home without being given a hard race. She meets the winner, Elgin, on 3lb better terms.
It was pleasing to see Nick Alexander’s LAKE VIEW LAD get his career back on track at Newcastle, and the Betfred Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock was mentioned as his next target.
While he proved he stays three miles in the north east, this two-mile-six trip will suit him better.
At Newcastle, Sue Smith’s SILVA ECLIPSE can maintain a fine start to his new career in the bet365 Novices’ Hurdle.
Meanwhile, there is Listed action on the all-weather at Lingfield, where John Gosden’s UTMOST can make up for lost time in the Betway Quebec Stakes.