Past Winners » Runswick Royal

28th-Feb-2015

I am a little surprised that Runswick Royal is running in this race, over almost three miles. I originally thought that he could be a horse for the Red Rum Chase at Aintree over two miles. However, he did keep on well at the end of two miles and five furlongs on soft ground at Haydock last time, and he is worth a try at this trip.

Ann Hamilton’s horse is a really likeable individual. A good hurdler last season, he got off the mark over fences at Newcastle in early January, and he stayed on well to run Royal Regatta to a half a length over two miles at Doncaster at the end of January when he shaped as if he wanted further than the minimum trip.

He stayed on well to beat Upsilon Bleu – favourite for today’s race – in the Morebattle Hurdle at today’s track last February, when he again stayed on well on the soft ground over two and a quarter miles. Of course, two miles and seven and a half furlongs is a different proposition, but his dam won over two miles and there is plenty of stamina in his pedigree. If he stays the trip, he has a big chance.

RUNSWICK ROYAL WON (ADV 4/1, SP 9/4)