Scuzeme set to soar

Scuzeme should certainly have enough ability to claim top honours in the 32Red Handicap at Lingfield tomorrow.

Thethree-year-old showed very little indeed in two starts last year, finishing last at Musselburgh and at York.

David Barron drew stumps for the year at the point and Scuzeme was not sighted again until pitching up at Newcastle in January, when he ran out a very cosy winner of a moderate maiden heat.

Gelded in the interim, the switch to the all-weather seemed to suit this son of Kheleyf and he only had to be pushed on in the last 50 yards to take a convincing threelength verdict.

He cruised by his rivals that day and while it was only an average event, the fact the runner-up has since won perhaps gives the form a little more depth.

The handicapper has hardly been kind with a starting mark of 80, but Scuzeme is just the type to make sharp progress now he has found the winning groove.

Solajan found only one too good on his racecourse bow and can go one place better in the 32Red-sponsored maiden.

Ed Dunlop’s runner raced prominently that day and after going toe to toe with the winner, Dark Titan, he eventually had to give best by a head at the line.

He looks sure to win a race like this before too long.

Our Channel did the donkey work for his stablemate in Listed company last time, but the 32Red Handicap at Kempton should see him get back on track.

The six-year-old was beaten over 16 lengths in the Winter Derby Trial after setting the early gallop, but given the winner Decorated Knight has since gone on to Group One glory in Dubai, that was a very strong heat indeed.

Our Channel had previously proved a bit disappointing in conditions company so this move to handicap level could prove a good move from Jamie Osborne.