Take Gino Trail to end run of near misses

Racing: Lee’s hope aims to get back on track after three frustrating second places

GINO TRAIL can snap a frustrating run of seconds in the Alfa Aggregate Products Novices’ Chase at Ludlow today.

Kerry Lee’s charge has had to settle for minor honours three times in succession after winning twice before Christmas.

He was pretty impressive in both of those wins at Ludlow and Haydock but the wheels unsurprisingly came off when he tackled eventual Champion Hurdle hero Buveur D’Air at Warwick on New Year’s Eve.

Beaten just two-and-a-quarter lengths when conceding 6lb, that was certainly a sterling effort while he again had to give that chunk of weight away to Zamdy Man when second again next time.

Lee felt Gino Trail deserved a crack at better company after that and pitched in a Grade Two heat, he found Flying Angel too good, with that one subsequently finishing down the field after a troubled run in the JLT at Cheltenham.

Gino Trail certainly has plenty of ability, and he can put it to good use.

TAWS should appreciate the switch down from Listed company in the mares’ novice hurdle.

Rated 92 on the flat, she has looked quite useful over obstacles, finishing fourth on her debut and placed in two Listed contests. Her four-and-ahalf-length defeat at the hands of Finian’s Oscar at Exeter in February made her one to note, although she really did not handle the step up to three miles when third at Doncaster last time.

Dropped back to two miles and five furlongs here, Taws can finally hit the mark.

PINK GIN has been the subject of some decent work reports and must be on the short list for the ECIC Handicap Chase at Chepstow.

Third on his chasing bow at the start of the month, he could have a fair bit to give in this new discipline judged by that staying-on effort. SELECTIONS

CHEPSTOW: 2.10 Multigifted, 2.40 Hills Of Dubai, 3.15 Falcons Fall, 3.50 Pink Gin, 4.20 The Kid, 4.50 Dineur, 5.25 Warthog.

LUDLOW: 2.30 Comanche Chieftain, 3.05 Gino Trail, 3.40 Taws, 4.10 Red Spinner, 4.40 Now Ben, 5.15 Secret Door, 5.45 Or De Vassy.

DOUBLE: Gino Trail and Taws.