George to decide on duo’s next step
Trainer Tom George has high hopes for both Summerville Boy and Black Op next season as he ponders where to run them.
The two Grade One winners shared the highest rankings of the English horses in the Anglo-Irish Novice and Juvenile Hurdle Classification in 2017-18 for their respective distances.They have both been schooled by Noel Fehily and George is now looking at where to send them.
Black Op is being prepared for his chasing debut, while Summerville Boy could go in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on December 1.
George told GloucestershireLive: “Summerville Boy and Black Op were the best of their generation in England last season so I’m delighted with that.
“It’s great for us to have two horses of their calibre at Down Farm.
“Noel Fehily has been to school them and it has gone well. Summerville Boy will jump fences one day but we don’t need to be doing that with him yet.
“The Fighting Fifth is on the list as a possible starting point and we’ll take each step as it comes. He’s a very sharp horse. Hopefully he’ll end up in the Champion Hurdle.
“Black Op schooled over fences last season, he and Summerville Boy popped over some obstacles for the first time since they have been back in on September 28.
“Black Op is a big, rangy horse and you’d think he will make a nice chaser. Samcro didn’t beat him that easily at Cheltenham. He needs proper winter ground so we won’t be rushing with him.”
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.