MONEY SPINNER
IN PLUNGE ON NORTHERN STAR IN CHARLIE HALL
PUNTERS have latched on to Sam Spinner ahead of the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase, as he puts his perfect record on the line.
Jedd O’keeffe’s stable star was backed into 3- 1 ( from 9- 2) with Coral yesterday for Saturday’s feature at Wetherby.
The unbeaten chaser won his first two starts over fences at the track and is all set for his first run in 322 days having been sidelined through injury.
“Although Jedd O’keeffe said he found the Charlie Hall entries scary, punters have not been out off backing Sam Spinner for Saturday’s race and he is now clear second favourite,” said Coral spokesman David Stevens.
Last seen when taking a
Grade Two at Doncaster before Christmas, Sam Spinner is rated the main threat to favourite Cyrname – if he runs.
Trainer Paul Nicholls also has the handicap option of the Sodexo Gold Cup at the chaser’s beloved Ascot, where he would be saddled with top weight.
“I’ll talk to Johnny ( de la Hey, Cyrname’s owner) and see what happens with the ground and the weather,” he said.
Cyrname became Britain’s top chaser as a result of his impressive course form in 2019, including when he ended the 19- race unbeaten run of Altior in the 1965 Christy Chase.
Without a win in two starts since, Nicholls originally hoped to send him to Down Royal for the Ladbrokes Champion Chase this weekend.
But the plan was scrapped and the eight- year- old is being rerouted due to coronavirus travel complications.
REBECCA Curtis intends ●
to prove Lisnagar Oscar’s 50- 1 Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle win was no “fluke.”
Fresh from a 21- 1 double yesterday, the Welsh handler said she would like to see some rain before his comeback run in Saturday’s Grade 2 bet365 Hurdle at Wetherby.
“Probably his best form has been on soft,” she said.
“It obviously brings his stamina into play which is a big bonus for him.”
Thyme Hill and Next Destination are others in the mix for the three- mile contest.