Triple Trade

Triple Trade appeared to appreciate the step up to two and a half miles when he got off the mark in the novices’ handicap hurdle at Lingfield last Sunday. Settled at the back of the seven-runner field early on, by Brendan Powell and towards the outside, he moved up closer to the leaders on the outside as they raced to the end of the back straight. Still travelling well as they turned for home, he moved up into a share of the lead on the approach to the second last flight. He and Shearer moved on between the final two flights, but Triple Trade went to the front on the run to the last and, despite pricking his ears and slowing into the obstacle, he got out over it safely and he kept on well up the run-in, still running green and leaving the impression that he had a fair bit more left to give.

This was a really likeable performance from Colin Tizzard’s horse, and it held the promise of more to come. A strong, strapping chasing type, this was his first run since he finished third in a two-mile novices’ handicap hurdle at Sandown’s Tingle Creek meeting in early December, and it was just his fifth run over hurdles. As well as that, it was the longest trip over which he had ever raced, and he saw it out well on the heavy ground. He should be able to progress again from this, his first win, as he gains in experience. He is a chaser in waiting, but he will still be of interest wherever he goes next over hurdles, especially if there is a premium on stamina.
Lingfield, 23^rd January 2022