Ellison can land historic opener
GEORDIE Brian Ellison can make history at Newcastle today where racing returns after lockdown by taking the opening contest with Ghadbbaan.
Ellison, born in Newcastle on the day Souepi won the Northumberland Plate at the track in 1952, has been eagerly awaiting the return of racing.
“Of course, like everyone else in racing, I’m delighted to be back,” said Ellison. “All we need now is a bit of luck with our runners.”
On his only outing for Ellison, since moving from Michael Stoute, GHADBBAAN (1.00) put in an eye-catching performance at Newcastle in February when sixth behind My Macho Man.
Today will be the well-bred gelding’s first run in a handicap and he is on favourable mark.
Richard Fahey, leading trainer at Newcastle, can celebrate with BOND’S BOY (2.10, nb).
The colt was far from disgraced on his recent start at Newmarket when third of 28 behind Under The Stars, a Group Three winner at Ascot last year.
Fahey can also enjoy success with
BRIAN THE
SNAIL
(3.20) and ASSAYER (6.15). The handicapper has given Brian The Snail a chance as he is now a pound lower than he carried when last successful.
Assayer can build on her promising fourth behind Fantail at Chelmsford in November by taking the finale.
Stoute can also join in the celebrations with ALIGNAK (5.05, treble). The Newmarket trainer clearly likes the colt as he decided not to send this one to the sales.
Like many from the Stoute stable, the four-year-old looks the type to improve with age. He finished off the season with victory at Kempton in September.
The third horse home in that contest, Omnivega, has upheld the form by winning his next two races.
John Gosden, a big fan of the track where Enable made a winning debut in 2016, can strike with FRANKLY DARLING (5.40, nap).
The daughter of Frankel was not disgraced when chasing home Cabaletta at Yarmouth in October.
If more restraining tactics are employed today, she will be difficult
to catch.