Nice gray
Tom Lunn has to go with books, shapes, walking, walking and horse racing. On April 22, 22/1 22/1 held 9 kilograms in Sandnown in Sandnown. He showed that promotion won’t stop him completely as he finished a respectable third despite effectively gaining 16lb when beaten by a 7lb claimer at Market Rasen in June. The Spanish Horse of the Month is the biggest name here and there could be a good chance that Sam Twiston-Davies can get another winner on his chase debut after his impressive performances over the past two weeks. Bright Gray was also in his element, racking up big wins over the course and distance, but also won over 7lb over hurdles in May. Ollie Murphy and Shaun Bowen have seen many winners together and these horses seemed to clear obstacles with ease when on top form in mild conditions.
Lake of ConstanceThe Ballybeg Hurdle also had a good result on gray last May using Replendent Gray. But he lost 5 pounds as a result, putting him 7 pounds better than when he finished second over the course and distance at the final hurdle in May 2023. However, it’s worth noting here because the horses are in bad shape when they come back from rest. Tamar Bridge will have to pick this year’s race to win after a gap of 698 days, more than twice as long as Dargiannini has been off the track. The latter is the most preferred class in terms of course and distance.
But there seemed to be some headlines in this race about the long-awaited comeback horse. Lac Des Constance had this form for all but two starts before finishing fifth behind Crumbeau, but this form clearly worked very well. And the eight-year-old gray is three kilos lighter despite finishing third at Haydock last time. They may return to Skelton’s hit duo.
