Shipwright should overcome a 141-day absence during the eight-race Wednesdaynighter on Kempton polytrack, providing there is no mystery lurking among five newcomers in division one of the Maiden Stakes over a mile. The quality is improving.
That's because we're not so far off the 2015 turf flat season, so many major yards are now limbering up including Mark Johnston with a 200-plus Middleham team which includes the progressive Shipwright, mount of his indefatigable stable jockey, Joe Fanning.
Following the obligatory three runs (over six furlongs!) to get an official mark Shipwright raced off a mark of 75 in a Brighton handicap and just failed in a three-way finish, beaten a short-head/neck by Ciaras Cookie and Bling Ring. An extra furlong resulted in a career-best and "Johnno" will be anticipating further improvement for this easymoving Shamardal colt.
As mentioned opposition is now getting hotter but Shipwright ticks enough boxes and so does twice-raced, David Simncocktrained Happy Dreams in division two. Happy Dreams improved considerably last month when third to Wajeeh (beaten two lengths!) by Wajeeh on Lingfield "poly" by virtue of an eye-catching strong-finishing effort.
No "cert" by any means, there are one or two fancied, but Simcock has become a real favourite and he'll be fancying Happy Dreams to "do the biz" for sure. Pat Cosgrave replaces Martin Lane. This Newmarket trainer also saddles Hierach in the opening aged handicap and with Sophie Killoran claiming full 7lbs allowance I'm expecting another course and distance success.
The first four races are all over a mile, good for time-comparisons, eh? Don't forget to click on to www.dailyearner. co.uk for jumping selections; it's wonderful time of year for backing NH runners.