21st-Jul-2018

I thought that More Buck’s should have been clear favourite for the Summer Plate.

He has lots in his favour.  He looks like a potentially really well-handicapped horse now.  By Presenting out of a half-sister to Big Buck’s, he did well for Paul Nicholls two seasons ago, he made all to win an amateur riders’ handicap chase at Sandown on Tingle Creek weekend, and he ran well in a good handicap chase at Kempton’s King George meeting, finishing fourth behind Double Shuffle, Go Conquer and Out Sam off a mark of 135.

He lost his way a little after that, but a switch to Peter Bowen’s yard appears to have rejuvenated him.  On his debut for his new trainer, at Perth four weeks ago, he was impressive in winning a three-mile handicap chase.  His task was made easier by the departure of Minella Scamp at the second last fence, but he was probably travelling better than that rival at the time, he probably would have won anyway. 

The handicapper raised him by 8lb for that to a mark of 127, but that still leaves him 8lb lower than his peak.  He is still only eight, he is relatively lightly raced, he goes well on good ground and he goes well right-handed.  Also, this two-mile-five-furlong trip is probably close to ideal for him.  

MORE BUCK’S WON (ADV 8/1, SP 6/1)