Take Thomas Darby to stay unbeaten

RACING: Murphy’s exciting youngster looks set for another step to top of tree

THOMAS DARBY can further enhance his reputation by maintaining his unbeaten record at Ascot.

The five-year-old justified market confidence when making an impressive racecourse debut in a Huntingdon bumper in the spring.

Fledgling trainer Olly Murphy has made no secret of the regard in which he is held and the fact he made his seasonal reappearance and hurdling debut at Cheltenham last month tells its own story.

It his testament to Thomas Darby’s latent ability that despite running green and hanging right racing up the famous hill, he still passed the post comfortably clear of his rivals.

That form received a boost when runner-up Elixir De Nutz returned to Cheltenham to win the Grade Two Supreme Trial last week, suggesting Thomas Darby has what it takes to climb to the top of the novice ranks.

The David Brownlow Charitable Foundation “Introductory” Hurdle looks the perfect stepping stone for Murphy’s exciting youngster.

WENYERREADYFREDDIE can register a second successive win at the track in the Tindle Newspapers Novices’ Chase.

Nicky Henderson’s inmate was a decent hurdler without being a topnotcher. He made his fencing debut at Kempton on Boxing Day last year, but was pulled up and did not run again until taking second at Aintree in May.

His second effort over fences on his return to action at Uttoxeter last month was most encouraging, as he pushed the admirable Lil Rockerfeller close, and it was no surprise to see Wenyerreadyfreddie go one better when switched to handicap company here three weeks ago.

However, it was still hard not to be impressed by the manner of his 18-length demolition job. SELECTIONS:

ASCOT: 1.00 Wenyerreadyfreddie, 1.30 Igor, 2.05 Thomas Darby, 2.40 Cobra De Mai, 3.15 Minella Daddy, 3.50 Scheu Time.

CATTERICK: 12.15 Je Suis Charlie, 12.45 Grow Nasa Grow, 1.20 Valkenburg, 1.50 Cloth Cap, 2.25 Our Reward, 3.00 Barton Knoll, 3.35 Scorchin.

DOUBLE: Thomas Darby and Wenyerreadyfreddie.