Honeyball confident Sojourn fits bill for Tommy Whittle
Trip and ground spot on for lightly-raced Carlisle winner.
Anthony Honeyball is confident Sojourn ticks all the boxes for a big performance in the Betfair Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase at Haydock. The near three-and-a-quarter-mile trip and the certainty of heavy, testing ground on Saturday should suit the lightly-raced seven-year-old, according to the Dorset-based trainer. Honeyball decided to aim Sojourn at this race after the Getaway gelding shrugged off 330 days on the sidelines with a 15-length romp on heavy ground at Carlisle seven weeks ago. Sojourn made a couple of mistakes at the Cumbrian track, but that was understandable because it was only his third race over fences and his seventh career stall in all. A blunder at the penultimate obstacle when he was well clear failed to stop him coming home well clear of his nearest pursuer, Amateur. He in turn was 24 lengths ahead of the third. “After he won at Carlisle, we felt that he hadn’t taken a lot of racing, so we’d target this race with him – and hopefully we’ve got there in one piece,” said Honeyball.“He hasn’t had that many runs over fences yet. But he’s really shaped nicely, and we’re looking forward to running him in it. “Conditions should suit him fine, and it all looks set fair with the trip and the ground. The track on that ground won’t be a problem. We’re looking forward to it.” Hill Sixteen is on a hat-trick after winning both his outings this season since joining Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Cotswolds yard. The seven-year-old was trained by Sue Smith in Yorkshire and was one of the horses sold by owner Trevor Hemmings in the autumn. He was bought for GBP 46,000 at his dispersal sale. Hill Sixteen could not have made a better start for new connections when trotting up by 46 lengths over fences at Ffos Las. Twiston-Davies then tried him over hurdles, and he duly obliged with a length verdict over Lil Rockerfeller. The trainer admits he has concerns about the going for the Court Cave gelding, though. “He’s done nothing wrong, and hopefully it won’t be too soft for him,” said Twiston-Davies. “I’m just worried about the ground, but it’s the same for all of them.” Enqarde is making his debut over fences in Britain for Grand National-winning trainer Dr Richard Newland, although he has plenty of experience in his native France. Newland believes the time is right to put him over the bigger obstacles after he got off the mark over hurdles at the second attempt at Newcastle this month. “We’re going over fences, he’s in such super form,” said the Worcester trainer. “Whether he’ll quite get this trip in the ground, we’ll see. “He’s got a nice low weight, and he’s in good form, so I’m hopeful he’ll go well. The horses are running well at present.”
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.